Holidaymakers, campers and travellers in South Australia are being urged to have a Bushfire Survival Plan and check the Fire Danger Rating before visiting a bushfire risk area in what is predicted to be a hot and dry summer.
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.
Anyone working in, travelling through or living in a bushfire risk area is advised to find out which 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 it was vital that people travelling in SA had a plan for what to do if a bushfire breaks out in the area they’re visiting.
“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,” Ms Cornish said.
"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."
It's a sentiment backed by Metropolitan Fire Service Chief Officer Michael Morgan.
“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,” Mr Morgan 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."
To reinforce the message, a series of ads has been launched targeting those travelling through the state this bushfire season, as part of the Be Bushfire Ready campaign aimed at keeping South Australians and visitors safe.
Radio, television, social media and outdoor advertising – including mobile billboards – will be employed as part of the extended campaign, which will also feature an ad targeted towards farmers.
The campaign comes as five new aircraft (pictured above) are added to the CFS aerial firefighting fleet, increasing the number from 26 to 31, and automatic vehicle location technology is being rolled out for firefighting and emergency service vehicles.
For more information visit Bushfire Ready - CFS.
