Attention all you blokes (and if rural women are reading this, read on, this concerns you)! Did you know that the women in your life (your daughters, wives, partners, sisters, mothers, aunties and friends) may be at increased risk in a bushfire? The Wangary Fire and nationwide research is demonstrating that women and children represent a high percentage of civilian bushfire casualties. 

The majority of bushfire causalities occur through late evacuations. Women on the land need to be aware that they may be at risk and plan to take action to protect themselves and their families. Often the blokes are off fighting the fire and the women are left to protect the family, home, and animals. As a bloke you can support your women in learning the basics of fire pump operation, getting the genny going and being bushfire ready. Encourage them to practice operating the fire pump and driving the fire unit is a good investment for your family.

If you ladies are still reading, why not get the family together to discuss what you as a family would do if a bushfire occurred in your district. Decide before a fire occurs as to your actions and write them down so everyone knows what the plan is. If your house is prepared, your family can stay and defend and have an excellent chance of survival.

Women have always had key roles in supporting the community and volunteer fire fighters but frequently do not have the skills or knowledge to adequately protect themselves in bushfire events. Women can potentially have key roles in improving the safety of the community, promoting fire safe messages and learning some basic fire fighting skills.

On Lower Eyre Peninsula a project to pilot a bushfire safety skills training workshop specifically targeting women is underway. Funded by Emergency Management Australia, the project is being delivered in partnership with CFS and Rural Solutions SA. Some of the reasons for targeting women include:
* Women are often principal carers of other “at risk” groups (e.g. children, elderly parents or relatives, the infirm)
* In major fire incidents there is an absence of trained people remaining at home or nearby with fire fighting skills
* Women have expressed interest in wanting to know more & learn basic fire fighting skills
* Many do not understand the bushfire safety message “Prepare, Stay and Defend or Leave Early”
* Many are not aware that staying inside a well prepared home and actively defending the home is the safest option during a bushfire
* Many indicate they are unaware of what to do, and how to be prepared
* Few households have prepared Bushfire Action Plans.

If the pilot workshops are successful they may then extend to other areas. If you want to learn more about bushfire safety, the Community Education Officer Therese Pedler can be contacted on 8682 4266. If you would like further information on this pilot project or would like to share your thoughts on community safety please contact Di DeLaine on 0428 112 695 or 86883412. 

Copies of the Bushfire Action Plan template can be downloaded from the CFS website www.cfs.org.au

AUTHOR: Di Delaine, Senior Environmental Consultant, Rural Solutions SA

CONTACT: Di Delaine, Rural Solutions SA Pt Lincoln Office, 8688 3412.