SA travellers encouraged to 'Be Bushfire Ready' this Fire Danger Season
31/10/2023
Ahead of the expected hot and dry summer this Fire Danger Season, the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) reminds the thousands of holidaymakers, campers and travellers in South Australia to have a Bushfire Survival Plan and check the Fire Danger Rating before visiting a bushfire risk area.
Research shows only half of travellers or transiting workers in South Australia regularly find out the Fire Danger Rating for the areas they are travelling to, while approximately two thirds don't think they need a Bushfire Survival Plan because it's not the area they live in.
The CFS advises anyone working in, travelling through or living in a bushfire risk area know the Fire Ban District they are in, and check the Fire Danger Rating regularly, so plans can be modified or postponed when dangerous fire weather is forecast.
CFS Deputy Chief Officer, Georgie Cornish, said most South Australians either work in, travel through, or holiday in bushfire risk areas so it is vital they take the time to understand the risk of the area they are travelling to and make a plan for what they will do if a bushfire starts nearby.
"We know that bushfires will happen, so we are asking South Australians to plan to survive by ensuring they understand the risk of the area they are travelling in, letting family or friends know their plans and ensuring they have a strategy for accessing critical information to stay informed in an emergency," she said.
"Now is the time for you and your family to review or create a Bushfire Survival Plan, which includes the care and transport of pets and livestock before, during and after a fire."
"Many people have a plan for their home but forget about risks while on holidays. A travellers plan should include things like how they will access information and what they are taking in their vehicle, such as woollen blankets, protective clothing, a first aid kit, food and plenty of water."
The Be Bushfire Ready Campaign being launched today by the CFS has a strong focus on tackling increased complacency amongst all South Australians, and highlights the importance of having a flexible plan.
Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Joe Szakacs, said the Be Bushfire Ready Campaign is a critical tool for informing and preparing communities for the worst.
"Preparing for the unexpected is your best defence and this campaign empowers South Australians to be independent and not rely on our emergency services," Minister Szakacs said.
"Fire does not discriminate and can destroy anything in its path including homes, farms and our regional centres, so it is important South Australians take steps to prepare and stay informed by using the CFS website or Alert SA app this Fire Danger Season," he said.
South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Chief Officer, Michael Morgan, said the MFS encourages all South Australians across the state to prepare themselves, their families and their homes ahead of this Fire Danger Season.
"A common mistake is thinking that bushfires only occur in or impact rural areas, when in fact they can have devastating impacts on built up or metropolitan areas," he said.
"We work closely with the CFS across the state and stand with them today to remind communities in regional centres and peri-urban areas across South Australia to be prepared and make a plan so you know what to do should a bushfire start."
Member for Waite Catherine Hutchesson, said ensuring you take the time to be aware of which fire ban districts and the fire danger ratings for the area you are holidaying in or even driving through is vitally important over the summer months.
"Fires can start quickly and spread so having a plan before you go, and understanding the risk could be the difference," Ms Hutchesson said.
"It is also worthwhile downloading the Alert SA app if you haven't got it and adding the watch zones to where you will be travelling so that you can receive alerts if a fire starts".
"Packing a survival kit should also be considered so that if you do get stuck you have what you need to protect you and your family."
Not prepared yet, or want more information on preparing your property? Visit cfs.sa.gov.au/bushfire-ready.
