After the driest winter in 15 years NSW faces challenging conditions as bushfire season approaches.

Member for the Ku-ring-gai electorate, Alister Henskens SC MP, encouraged all residents who live near bushland and areas prone to grass fires to start preparing for the season ahead.

“Last summer we experienced some of the worst bushfire conditions on record. Unfortunately, a dry winter has followed, so we need to ensure households and families are prepared for the worst case scenario this summer,” Mr Henskens said.

“I encourage households to update or create a Bushfire Survival Plan and make sure the whole family knows what to do when faced with a fire. It could save your lives.”

On the 16th and 17th of September the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will host Get Ready Weekend at local Brigades.

Residents can visit their local brigade to pick up vital fire safety information, and thank our outstanding local firefighters for the tremendous work they do to help keep our communities safe from bush fires.

When preparing for the bush fire danger period there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you are fire ready, including:

• trimming overhanging trees and shrubs;
• mowing your lawn and removing all the cut grass;
• removing flammable materials from around your home (e.g. door mats, wood piles, mulch, leaves, paint, outdoor furniture);
• clearing and removing all the debris and leaves from gutters; and
• ensuring you have a hose or hoses that can cover the perimeter of your home.

In August more than 2,200 fires burned across NSW. This included five Watch and Act fires that came close to threatening homes near Clybucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens and Kurnell.

You can download a Bushfire Survival Plan at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan