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Ok, so my DD's creche is in an "at risk" area. We have to close when the fire risk is deemed too high... but I can't remember if it is Code Red (Catastrophic) or Extreme (next step down). I'm told that DHS is responsible for calling all the families to inform them if the centre is to close... but need to get it right in my mind... can anyone help? We're in Vic BTW.
MG the child care centre will know up to 3 days prior to the code red day. Notices will be sent out by the centre or phone calls made to parents (by the centre) as soon as they are informed that they will close. If the centre is told to close on a particular day and the weather conditions change meaning the day is no longer classed as code red the centre will still be closed anyway.
On code red (catastrophic) days, schools or child care centres on 'the list' have to close down. On extreme days, the schools/centres can make the choice to close down.
Last year there was a list of schools and child care centres closed on the Education Dept website. I am assuming the same will be done this year as well.
Here is a link to the bushfire at risk register for schools and child care centres.
Bushfire At-Risk Register - Bushfire Resources - Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
And from the same site, info on closures:
:
Schools, kindergartens and child care centres that have been identified as being at high fire risk will close on days declared a Code Red Fire Danger Rating Day.
Where possible, up to 3-days notice of a planned closure will be provided; parents and carers should, however, expect that in some instances fewer than 3-days notice may be provided.
Once the final decision to close is confirmed at 12 noon the day prior, this decision will not change – regardless of any changes in the weather forecast. This will help limit confusion and help your family plan for how your children will be cared for when their school, kindergarten or child care centre is closed.
Advice will be provided to you directly by your school, kindergarten or child care centre.
When a school or children's service is closed for bushfire, no staff will remain on site and all out-of-school care programs (including vacation, before and after school programs) will not operate.
Last year we still had to pay for the closed days at the CCC.
Ask your childcare centre for a copy of their bushfire plan - our CCC states what they'll do on TFB Days and if there's a fire in the vicinity.
thanks girls. I knew we'd get 3 days notice (where possible) but just couldn't remember if it was Code Red or Extreme! And we're in an extreme area this week...