The Rural Fire Services (RFS) has released an initiative for the public to protect themselves during an emergency situation. 

The Bureau of Meteorology have predicted a hot and dry upcoming season, and bushfires continued to burn across the State during winter.

The RFS strongly recommends that everyone should have a conversation about exactly what they’ll do in a bushfire. 

Preparations for an evacuation plan should also be undertaken and residents should decide when they will leave, where they will go and prepare a back up plan. 

The RFS recommended to only decide to stay if the home is well prepared, and no one is being put at risk, including the elderly and children. 

It is not safe to stay if a fire danger is catastrophic, and no homes are built to withstand these conditions. 

Properties can prepare their homes during bush fire season by completing five simple tasks; trim overhanging trees, mow the lawn, remove material that can burn around the home, clear debris from gutters, and prepare a hose that can stretch around the entire home. 

Bushfire alerts are regularly updated with local media, and on the RFS website. The Fires Near Me smartphone app is a free app and relays up to date information and locations of bushfires. 

During a bushfire the RFS recommends using multiple sources for information as power and telecommunication channels may lose power. 

Last week, plans were announced to increase the maximum jail sentence for NSW targeted bushfire offence to 21 years.