Mr Whan launched the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Prepare. Act. Survive. campaign for the 2010/11 bush fire season.

“One of the most valuable assets during bush fire season each year is a well prepared and well informed community,” Mr Whan said.

“We have all seen in recent times how destructive bush fires can be and that’s why it is so important that people take the steps now to Prepare. Act. Survive.”

Mr Whan said the $1 million campaign would appear in newspapers and on radio, television and billboards across NSW.

“The campaign is aimed at people living in or travelling through bush fire prone areas, encouraging them to take appropriate action to properly prepare their homes, properties and themselves for bush fires before they threaten.

“The campaign will continue to help educate people about the Fire Danger Ratings introduced before the start of the last bush fire season, which include the new levels of Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic.

“These fire danger ratings, issued before a fire starts give people clear triggers on what actions they should be taking.

“The campaign also includes information on Alert Levels, which are used during a fire to give people a clearer indication of the threat posed.

“It also highlights the need for people in bush fire prone areas to prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan, which can be downloaded from the RFS website,” Mr Whan said.

Mr Whan said the campaign, now in its second year, already had proven successful in building awareness of the bush fire safety changes introduced following the Victorian Black Saturday bush fires.