I just talked to DH about our fireplan... It's pretty annoying, if there was a fire DH wouldn't be home anyway, he'd be off fighting it. On code red days he'd be at work waiting for a call out.
Although we live rural, there's not too much bushland close to town and we live in the center of town so we'd be pretty safe. We're surrounded by crops.
So on code red days I'm going to go to my parents. They have an awesome aircon, they help me with DD, they live just down the road.
Fiona I'm in outer eastern melbourneband from memory either last year or the year before ( or both) on those code red days I'm sure there was a safe area set up in lilydale for those families that had to evacuate from areas past us, maybe contact the council or local CFA
Thanks Olive - I'll double check but I think it would have been publicised by now. We have a place that we can evacuate to in extreme emergency (ie. if there's a fire in the local area) but it's not meant to be a place that you go to just in case there's a fire (which is the scenario I'm talking about).
Those closer spots - do they have any cafe's? Perhaps scope them out and see if they have A/C and good kid friendly menu's. In your emergency bag make sure you have plenty to keep the kids occupied - things like colouring in, ipad/DVD player if you have those, books, fav teddy etc.
Try to see if there is an alternative route Bendigo.
IMO, Ballarat isn't that extreme - you never know what's going to happen and getting out early is important. But do keep in mind that Ballarat and Bendigo can also be high risk areas so BEFORE you get in the car and go anywhere, check the CFA website (or iphone app) to see if there are any warnings or fires for those areas (or along the way). The bigger towns are good though because you have more services (shops, accom, eateries, play centres, etc).
Also have a chat to the local councils, they may set up something. Do those closer towns have a library? Or Community Building?
If you are planning to leave early, don't forget to have a bag packed with anything you might need.
Thanks heaps MG - those are all great suggestions. The idea of the closer town doesn't seem so bad now
It does have a library, cafes and there's an indoor playcentre too I think. So we could spend a significant part of the day there. So I think for the odd day that will be fine.
I think if we get a run of bad days then we might be best decamping to somewhere like Bendigo or Ballarat and finding accommodation there rather than having to spend entire days out of the house ITMS.
Went through the same dilemma the past couple of years. We would just have to drive 20 minutes to get into the city, but then there was the issue of exactly where to go. There is only so much time you can spend at shopping centres etc and the last thing you want to do is have the car parked in a public place when it is loaded with laptops, photos etc. If really pushed I was going to just get a cabin at the local caravan park. It has play equipment, a swimming pool etc. Cheaper than trying to keep two kids entertained for day or two in the city.
Just thankful this year that the kids have school and childcare, so really only have weekend to worry about. Also if need be I could just take DD1 to work if her school is closed.
Yep, I think that's why I like the idea of decamping to Bendigo to Ballarat. Had exactly the same thought re a caravan park Astrid. They are fabulous in terms of having everything you need, especially for kids. We can just potter there in the playground or in the pool, rev up the aircon (which we don't have at home) and I won't have to constantly think of the next thing to waste a couple of hours. It wouldn't be so bad if the girls were a bit older but facing down 8-10 hours out of the house on a 40 degree day is a little bit daunting in practice.
The only issue this time of year would be finding a vacant cabin, they joys of a tourist place. Thankfully this year I have some better friendships in the city, so I know there are places I can hang out if I really need to.
Yep, I think anywhere coastal would be a push unfortunately. Infact, if I could get anywhere coastal I probably would have used it as an excuse to go away today to trial my plan and have a day/night at the beach. I've been doing a bit of checking around and Ballarat seems to be a safe bet in terms of vacancies and there's three caravan parks there so plenty of choice (plus loads of motels).
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks