Survey reveals lax attitude to bushfire warnings

MORE than half of all Victorians living in areas at high risk of bushfire believe they will definitely get an official warning if threatened by a bushfire, according to a CFA survey.

The latest results from CFA’s Bushfire Community Survey also showed more than a third, or 36 per cent, expected they would be told when to leave if threatened by a bushfire, meaning many Victorians could be leaving it too late to act.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said while emergency services were well prepared and Victoria had an effective integrated warning system, including the VicEmergency app and emergency broadcasters, there may be some circumstances when Victorians may not get a warning.

“Fires can spread within minutes. On hot, dry and windy days fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes.

“You need to be prepared and paying attention to the weather conditions ahead of time.

“The community needs to know their triggers and use their senses such as sight and smell as well as their common sense to enact their fire plan.

“Grassfires are prevalent this season and can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and jump highways.”

While this year’s fire season outlook indicates a lower risk of prolonged bushfires, grassfires remain a high risk across the state after strong rainfall and fuel growth during spring and summer.

“Do not drive into or through high risk areas on hot, dry, windy days,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.

“Plan an alternate route or delay your travel, if possible.

“Those living in or visiting regional Victoria should monitor conditions every day and have a bushfire safety plan in place.”

The survey – which the CFA has run every year since 2009-10 – also showed nearly one in five (17 per cent) believe they will definitely get help from CFA if affected by bushfire, while more than a third (35 per cent) believe they are likely to.

“CFA’s mission is to save lives and property and of course we will do everything we can to respond to everyone who needs us, but there are times during major bushfires when we simply can’t get a truck to every house,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.

“People need a plan – exactly what are you going to do for your family, loved ones, pets and other animals if a fire occurs and a fire truck may not be able to get there?

“If you have a plan, you can act to survive.”

Victoria’s warning system includes the Vic Emergency website, app and social media channels, the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226), emergency broadcasters including ABC radio, Sky News TV, commercial radio and some community radio stations.

Warnings are issued when an incident is occurring and you need to act. Make sure you understand the levels of warnings:

Advice – An incident is occurring or has occurred. Access information and monitor conditions

Warning (Watch & Act) – An emergency is developing nearby. Conditions are changing and you need to act now to protect yourself and your family

Emergency Warning – You are in imminent danger and need to act now

Evacuation – An evacuation is recommended or procedures are in place to evacuate.