Bushfire Preparation, Safety & Bushfire Updates
Bushfire is an unfortunate reality for many South Australians and it is vital that individuals be prepared in the event of a bushfire. This involves prior preparation well in advance of high fire days and being alert to weather forecasts, fire forecasts and knowing where to look online for updates and information.
As a hills dweller, I am all too familiar with the threat of bushfire. I have a plan in place to ensure my family stays protected and constantly refer to the links and information below. I am constantly monitoring the conditions around me and my local area and beyond. The night before a high fire danger day I also prepare items I would not want to lose in the event of a bushfire as I have read stories about people grabbing irrelevant objects they don’t value while rushing out the door. Preparation is key.
BE PREPARED
The key message from fire service authorities is to BE PREPARED. This means that you should have information available to you online and offline or printed out, ready to go. Ensure you have a bushfire survival plan in place and know what to do if you find yourself needing to take shelter in the event of a bushfire.
The information below is NOT comprehensive but provides links to information from relevant authorities which all South Australians should be aware of. Please click on the links, download the material, keep it handy and refer to it frequently.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A BUSHFIRE HAPPENS
In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in immediate danger from a bushfire, please refer to the following CFS (Country Fire Service) guide so that you know exactly how to protect yourself and your family.
CLICK HERE to find the CFS fact sheet or visit the CFS website here for further information
BUSHFIRE SAFER PLACES & LAST RESORT REFUGES
In the event of a bushfire, rural or regional residents should be aware of their nearest bushfire safe place or last resort refuge.
CLICK HERE to find your bushfire safer place or last resort refuge
BE PREPARED FOR BUSHFIRE
- Have a bushfire survival plan in place
- Understand bushfire behaviour.
- Learn to recognise days of high fire danger.
- Prepare your home and property.
- Create an emergency kit.
- Put your plans into action on high fire days
- Physical and emotional preparation
Preparing for bushfire may seem overwhelming. Please refer to the following CFS guide about how to be prepared for a bushfire and use the CFS website to create your own 5 minute Bushfire Plan.
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR OWN 5 MINUTE BUSFHIRE PLAN ON THE CFS WEBSITE
CLICK HERE TO FIND THE CFS GUIDE BELOW
MONITOR FOR BUSHFIRES
Residents should be continually monitoring weather conditions, be aware of Fire Danger Ratings and current fire incidents.
Ensure you are aware of the Fire Danger Ratings in your area. Click here for the current Fire Danger Ratings in South Australia.
Be aware of what you can and can’t do on declared Total Fire Ban days.
Remember, that on a high fire day, or in the event of a bushfire in your area, you may experience loss of electricity. It is therefore imperative that you carry a radio with you and spare batteries to stay informed. Tune your radio to ABC 891 AM to listen to official updates or call the Bushfire Information Hotline: 1800 362 361 (TTY 133 677)
Learn to recognise a high fire day, keep your blinds open and be alert to changes. You can also monitor the weather for wind changes, temperature and humidity via the following websites:
- Weatherzone – click here
- BOM – Bureau of Meterology – click here
- Windy.com – click here
USEFUL WEBSITES
- Alert SA provides up to date emergency services info via the Alert SA app. CLICK HERE to download the app
- CFS Website – Updated information from the Country Fire Service. CLICK HERE to view current incidents
- CFSScan provides detailed information about emergency events in SA including bushfires online and via an app. CLICK HERE for more info
- Country Fire Service on Twitter. Click here for further information
- Country Fire Service on Facebook. Click here for further information
- Power outages – for information about current South Australian power outages click here
- Road closures – for information about Road closures in South Australia click here
- Join a Facebook group linked to your local area to keep up to date.
MOST IMPORTANTLY – Do not rely on just one source of information. Use your senses, neighbours, different websites, radio and different apps.
***Editors note: this is not designed to be a comprehensive guide of to how to survive a bushfire or to replace information that can be sourced from the CFS website but it is a great place to start with useful links to relevant authorities with comprehensive information. There are many written resources available on the CFS website in different languages and it is up to each individual to become informed.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE CFS WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Play & Go and CFS website
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