One in five people in these areas do not believe “leaving early” in a fire emergency is the best way to safeguard their loved ones, and 16 per cent would stay to protect their property.
CFA’s annual post-season bushfire community survey has been conducted every year since 2009 to understand the attitudes, behaviours and preparedness of householders living in bushfire risk locations in Victoria.
Despite the recent AFAC Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicating increased fire risk across several drought-affected parts of the state, the survey found that out of the 611 people interviewed, 24 per cent did not feel adequately prepared around their home.
Over the past two years, the survey shows the perception of a bushfire being a threat to Victorians and their property has declined from very large to small, with 50 per cent of people not showing concern and nearly 40 per cent not alarmed enough to warrant direct interaction with CFA.
Worryingly, those least concerned, and less likely to be prepared, were located just 500 metres to one kilometre from bushland.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan expressed his concerns about the distressing statistics, warning Victorians that now was not the time to be complacent, with an earlier and more active fire season predicted.
“It is never too early to prepare. Don’t gamble with your safety this season. Residents living in high fire-risk areas must take their preparation more seriously,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Take a moment to sit down with your household and make a plan, so everyone knows what they need to do and where they need to go if a fire threatens your local area.
“It’s easy to panic and make poor decisions if you’re not prepared, and the last thing you want in an emergency is to become trapped. Leaving early is your greatest form of protection.”
Some 31 per cent of respondents would delay leaving until threatened by a bushfire, waiting for the danger to increase or for instructions from emergency services.
“It is vital you understand the risks of your residential area and where you are travelling this summer,” Mr Heffernan said.
“The best way to do this is to download the VicEmergency App and set your watch zones to your locations so you are alerted to warnings wherever you are.
“Don’t wait for an official warning before you take action to protect your family.
“We have a number of resources available on our website to actively help you prepare before it is too late, and our volunteers are always happy to help you with any questions you may have.”
CFA will be running a Get Fire Ready weekend on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, where many brigades will open their doors to connect with local community members, hoping to build public awareness and preparedness across Victoria.
“We’re seeing a concerning decline in property preparedness around Victorian households, so we’re really encouraging you to tidy up around your homes over coming weeks,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Before the warmer weather arrives, ensure you move your winter piles away from your houses and sheds, give your trees a prune, clear your gutters and maintain the length of your grass.
“Get your emergency kit packed and ready to go, fill it with clothes, medications, toiletries, chargers and blankets and take it with you when you head to shelter.
“As we witnessed throughout the fires in the Grampians last season, the mountain of work done in the lead up to summer can make all the difference in lessening devastation on communities.
“We want to be really clear this summer. Our members will always be prepared and on hand to assist you, but fire safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.
“We cannot have a fire truck at every property during a major bushfire. We need you to do your bit too and take small steps to be more fire safe this year.”
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