Whiteheads Creek CFA hosted an information session on animal safety during bushfires on Sunday, August 31.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The Whiteheads Creek CFA has taken a proactive step to help landowners protect livestock in a bushfire.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
It hosted a free horses and bushfires information session on Sunday, August 31.
The session was designed to help rural landowners prepare for the safety and welfare of their animals in an emergency.
The talk was undertaken by professional speaker, CFA member and rural property owner Kimberley Williams.
Whiteheads Creek CFA was a hive of activity on Sunday, August 31, with community members from across the region attending its horses and bushfires information session.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
It focused on:
creating a bushfire plan that includes animals;
safe evacuation procedures for horses, livestock and pets;
setting up defendable areas and firebreaks on rural properties;
managing feed, water and shelter during high-risk days; and
understanding animal behaviour in emergencies.
Whiteheads Creek CFA’s community safety co-ordinator Howard Scheid said Ms Williams’ passion for animal safety shone through the presentation.
Ms Williams spoke about the importance of having a fire plan in place, having it written down and also rehearsing it.
“That’s very important,” Ms Scheid said.
“I've been in one emergency situation and that brain fog is a real thing.
“What happens is you just stand there going, ‘what am I going to do next?’”
Mr Scheid said when it came to the safety of livestock as well as your own life and property, it was important to have a clear plan in place.
“You're also dealing with traditionally wild animals,” he said.
“They’re herd animals. You’re not just trying to get your thoughts into action, you’ve actually got a live animal that you need to deal with as well.
“So it’s really important knowing a little bit about how your horse is going to behave or potentially behave in an emergency situation like that.”
Ms Williams’ talk covered many areas, not all of which can be mentioned in this article.
11°C