Are you or your family at risk from bushfire? We obtained information from 133 women surveyed on Lower Eyre Peninsula and this was one question we posed to them. 59.7% reported they had previously experienced a bushfire. 82.2% considered that they or their families were at risk from bushfire. 43.1% nominated the bushfire risk as ‘high’ for their locality, but interestingly only 22.9% thought their risk to their home was ‘high’. This variation in perceived risk between the local area and own home varied for every risk category of ‘high’, ’medium’ and ‘low’ (Figure1).

Figure 1 Risk Perception to Locality, House and Family

These results lead to some interesting questions. Does this mean that properties are well prepared and that is why people see the risk to their own homes as less? Or is this something that is often seen in bushfire research, where people consistently under estimate the threat to their own properties? We tend to think that the latter explanation is probably closer to reality. To avoid feeling anxious about bushfires, we tend to under estimate the risk to our own homes. However, unpleasant as it may be, the fact is it’s not a case of ‘if’ a fire will occur, but ‘when’. Fire history mapping show us that fires are a regular occurrence on lower Eyre Peninsula. Some also think that they have had their fire (lightening doesn’t strike in the same place twice, does it?!) but this is also a denial of the facts.

Research consistently suggests that empowering people to decide on whether to “stay and defend” or to ”leave early”, provided they act on their decision, is probably the single most important strategy for protecting people and property for bushfires.

However, it is important to note the following:

• You must understand that staying to defend your property requires a firm decision and commitment. Late evacuation is not an option.
  
• You must understand what “leave early” means (when and where to go) and must be able to recognise the point at which it becomes too late to evacuate.
  
• If you have decided to ‘leave early’ you MUST prepare your property, both to increase your chances of survival and to provide a safe refuge if opportunities to leave early are missed.
  
• It is important to ‘actively defend’ properties rather than passively shelter.
  
• It is important to be mentally prepared. Practice, practice, practice! Learn stress reduction techniques. Have a written and practiced bushfire action plan.
  
• Realise that you may not get help from volunteer fire fighters.
  
• You may need to provide help for those who cannot or do not prepare. 

 
Preparation of your property, and talking to your household about what plan you have in the event of bushfire, are critical to reduce the consequences of a bushfire. Now is the time to start preparation on your property and to decide if you are going to ‘stay and defend’ or ‘leave early’. To help you with this and other bushfire safety tips, contact Therese Pedler on 8682 4266, Community Education Officer, to arrange a time for you and your family and neighbours to learn how to be bushfire ready.

AUTHOR/S: Di DeLaine, Rural Solutions SA, Therese Pedler & John Probert, Country Fire Service.
CONTACT: Di Delaine, Rural Solutions SA office, Telephone, 08 8688 3412 Mobile, 0428 112 695