With the bushfire season officially started, now is an important time to review your existing farm fire plan, and if you don’t have one, create one.

They are easy to do and will provide crucial information to you, your family and friends in the event of a bushfire on your property.

South East Local Land Services (SELLS) teams offer localised support to farmers and landholders to support prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

The staff are on hand to offer advice and up-to-date information to get property owners through these tough times.

If you own or manage land, you are legally responsible for minimising the risks. The Rural Fires Act 1997 states that land managers and owners are responsible for carrying out hazard reduction to protect existing dwellings, major buildings and other assets susceptible to fire.

Being fully prepared for a bushfire can help you protect yourself, your family, your livestock and your property. A simple farm fire plan can be created using the template on the NSW Rural Fire Service My Fire Plan website.

The NSW RFS and the NSW State Emergency Services offer clear instructions and information to assist in creating a plan for your property.

To prepare livestock for any fire emergency, reduce the risk of fire by keeping property well maintained and the grass low. Reducing the potential fuel load can help lower fire risk. You should also monitor weather conditions in the area via the Bureau of Meteorology.

A safe stock containment area for livestock should be identified and prepared on the property where livestock can be located away from danger. It should have access to food and water and preferably have multiple access points. This could be a heavily grazed area, ploughed paddock or large, clear stockyards.

For more information and advice on a farm fire plan visit the LLS website or speak to your local South East Local Land Services team on 1300 795 299.