With more than 300 participants in 2018, the Six Week "Get Ready" Challenge has been building on its success over the last four years, taking a different approach to help everyone prepare for the bushfire season.
Early indications of a warm and dry season ahead could mean an early start to the bushfire danger period.
A typical Blue Mountains winter presents residents with a combination of fire, snow and wind. A local perspective is invaluable. The challenge helps you answer questions like: "When and where should we go?", "What do I need in an emergency kit?" and "What do the fire danger ratings mean to me?".
Each week there will be a new topic including activities for the whole family to help residents prepare their household. The challenge highlights the very easy things people can do to keep their home safe against the impact of a bushfire. Best of all, it's free to participate.
"Winter is an excellent time to talk to your family and friends about bushfire safety, the importance of preparation cannot be understated. I encourage all residents In the Blue Mountains to participate," said Superintendent David Jones, District Manager of the Rural Fire Service.
Later this month the challenge will be presented in Melbourne at a national emergency services conference by members of Katoomba-Leura Rural Fire Brigade, the powerhouse behind the challenge.
"It's been incredible to see this concept grow from idea to an engagement strategy that has been adopted by other brigades and districts. Taking it to AFAC19 conference will let it spread even further," said Kylie van Riel from the Katoomba-Leura crew.
The challenge starts on Friday, August 9. Registering is easy, free and only takes a minute. Go to www.katoombaleurarfs.org.au/challenge to start.