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.<\/p>\n
The latest results from CFA\u2019s Bushfire Community Survey also showed more than a third (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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFires can spread within minutes. On hot, dry and windy days fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to be prepared and paying attention to the weather conditions ahead of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrassfires are prevalent this season and can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and jump highways.\u201d<\/p>\n
While this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not drive into or through high risk areas on hot, dry, windy days,\u201d Chief Officer Heffernan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlan an alternate route or delay your travel, if possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose living in or visiting regional Victoria should monitor conditions every day and have a bushfire safety plan in place.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCFA\u2019s 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,\u201d Chief Officer Heffernan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople need a plan \u2013 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?<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a plan, you can act to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Victoria\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Warnings are issued when an incident is occurring and you need to act. Make sure you understand the levels of warnings:<\/p>\n