With harvest starting later this season than in recent years and set to run further into summer, this is not likely to be the first cease harvest recommendation from the RFS.

The warnings must be heeded and good to see local farmers packing up the headers and machinery for the day. 

As we head into the main season for bushfires, it is important to be prepared. 

The RFS advocates four simple steps to being ready for a bushfire: Discuss, Prepare, Know and Keep. 

Discuss what to do if a bushfire threatens your home

Many households find that having a discussion over dinner works best as everybody is together and focussed.

Prepare your home and get it ready for the bushfire season

There are simple things you can do around your home to prepare it for a bushfire, like keeping the grass low and having a cleared area around your home.

Know the bushfire alert levels 

If there is a fire in your area you will find its alert level on the NSW RFS website and in the ‘Fires Near Me’ app. You need to keep track of the alert level so you know what you should do.

Keep all the bushfire information numbers, websites and the smartphone app.

In a bushfire, it’s important that you stay up to date on conditions in your area.

Further information on each of the above is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

There is also an app called ‘MyFirePlan’ which allows people to create a bushfire survival plan. 

Inevitably and like every country district, Cootamundra suffers through fires each summer. 

Preparation is the key. If you and your home are well prepared, you stand a better chance of surviving a bushfire so act now if you haven’t already.

This district is looked after by the wonderful volunteers attached to the South West Slopes Zone which takes in the Local Government Areas of Hilltops and the former Cootamundra Shire.

There are 50 rural fire brigades which operate within the zone.