Now is the time to identify your bushfire safer places says CFS
30/10/2015
With the onset of the Fire Danger Season, the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is reinforcing the need for the community to be aware and have a plan on where to go during a bushfire or in dangerous fire conditions.
The CFS says everyone living in, near or travelling to a bushfire prone area needs to have a Bushfire Survival Plan in place.
CFS Spatial Analyst Susan Barrie said when developing a Bushfire Survival Plan it needs to include where you, your family and your pets will go.
"The best advice is to make sure your plan includes leaving early, knowing where you are going, and how to get there safely," she said.
"Leaving at the last minute means you are likely to be traveling in unsafe conditions.
"Most deaths in bushfire are from people leaving at the last minute, they get caught in smoke, are obstructed by fallen trees or are hit by other vehicles unable to see them."
The CFS has categorised places on where you can go and include:
Bushfire Safer Settlement: Found in inner Adelaide metropolitan area, suitable for use during forecasted dangerous conditions and during a bushfire.
Bushfire Safer Precinct: Found in outer suburbs and rural settlements, and identified via Local Council maps. These places are suitable for use during forecast bad fire weather or during bushfire but may be subject to spark and ember attack and smoke.
Last Resort Refuge: Mainly Ovals, buildings in rural areas but not suitable for extended use and may provide only limited protection during bushfire.
"Knowing these locations and including them as part of your Bushfire Survival Plan will allow you to leave early but you should consider alternative routes or locations in case the roads are closed or affected by fire." said Ms Barrie.
"Get online now and identify where each of these places are and plan how you will get there, who will be with you and what you should bring.
"During the Sampson Flat fire we were fortunate not to lose any lives and it was largely attributed to people having a plan to leave early to safer locations.
"Our volunteers do a tremendous job but we can't guarantee they will be able to get to every property, so saving lives in a bushfire is a joint responsibility."
More information on developing a plan and identifying bushfire safer places can be found on the CFS website: cfs.sa.gov.au.
