Community urged to be prepared for bushfire

Bushfires impact on many people every year and according to local fire fighters many people are simply not prepared.

City of Greater Geraldton Community Fire Manager, Andy Darbyshire, said bushfires can start suddenly, and urges the community to be properly prepared.

“People need to be prepared to act quickly in the event of an emergency,” he said.

“Many people living in areas where bushfires happen know they are at risk, but think it will happen to someone else. Others consider preparing their home and never get around to it.

“If you live in or around bushland, it is your responsibility to be properly prepared for fire, I can’t stress that strongly enough.

“Most people wait to be told what to do, expecting a fire fighter to knock on their door to tell them to leave. The reality is that this is unlikely to happen, as crews will be working hard to put the fire out and may not be nearby,” said Mr Darbyshire.

He said on hot, dry days when there is a danger of bushfires, people must stay alert and check for signs of a bushfire.

“Go outside regularly to see if there is smoke and look and listen for information on television, local ABC radio, the internet or telephone information lines, it is also a good idea to keep in touch with your neighbours.” Mr Darbyshire said.

He said residents and landholders should have a bushfire survival plan ready to action immediately.

“If you do not have a plan, make it a priority to discuss with your family now, what you will do if a bushfire threatens.”

Everyone should be aware of the daily Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for their area.

“The FDR tells you what type of fire weather is forecast for each day, how bad the fire will be if a bushfire starts, and what actions you will need to take,” he said.

“Knowing the FDR for your area and having a bushfire survival plan means you can decide early whether you will leave for a safer place or stay and actively defend in the event of a fire.

“If bad fire weather is forecast, put your preparations into action the night before or early in the day.

“Your survival depends on being prepared and having a plan. Leaving it to the last minute can be deadly,” Mr Darbyshire said.

During the bushfire season FDRs for both Greater Geraldton (Central West Coastal) and the Mullewa District (Central West Inland) can be viewed at the City of Greater Geraldton front counter at the Civic Centre or on the Bureau of Meteorology website: www.bom.gov.au

For FDRs and further information on preparing you and your family for bushfire visit: www.fesa.wa.gov.au.

Pic caption: City of Greater Geraldton Chief Bushfire Control Officer, Craig Wing, updates the City’s Fire Danger Rating board at the front counter at the Civic Centre. The information is updated daily.