Policies and Procedures

Fire Danger Rating and Closure Information

Schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities assessed to be at the highest risk of fire are placed on the Department of Education’s (DET) Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR). Closure decisions are guided by this register and the Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) rating, in accordance with Cardinia Shire Council policy.

Gembrook Preschool is rated Category 3 on the BARR and is required to close:

• On Extreme rated days when the FBI exceeds 75.
• On all Catastrophic rated days.
• As directed by the Department of Education and Training (DET).

Please be aware that this closure requirement may differ from other local organisations (e.g., schools or childcare centres), as each follows its own policies, procedures, and Emergency Management Plans (EMPs).

Additionally, as a sessional kindergarten service located in a building owned by Cardinia Shire, our closure requirement aligns with Cardinia Shire Council’s policy and the FBI rating.

On these days, please enact your family emergency plan.

For more information about the BARR and FBI ratings, visit:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/bushfirerisk.aspx
http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/fire-danger-ratings.shtml