Ahead of the looming fire season, a recent CFA survey revealed that 40 per cent of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas do not have a bushfire plan in place to save their family.
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 last 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 are not alarmed enough to warrant direct interaction with CFA.
CFA will be running a Get Fire Ready weekend on Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October, where many brigades will open their doors to connect with local community members, hoping to build public awareness and preparedness across Victoria.
More details about being fire ready can be found at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
