Many West Aussies not prepared for bushfire

The survey of people living in WA’s south was released as part of the state government “Are You Ready?” campaign which was launched yesterday. 

The campaign calls upon the community to play their part in preparing for bushfires.  

DFES deputy commissioner Steve Fewster said the Western Australia summer and searing temperatures bring with them the threat of bushfire. 

“Western Australia is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world and part of residing here is living with the bushfire threat,” he said.  

“I encourage everyone to get on board and do more than ever this year to prepare your home and family.” 

Mr Fewster also warned that people should take the time to prepare for the once in a life time catastrophe. 

“Once every century or so a big event comes along that fundamentally changes us as a community – this could be a fire, storm, earthquake, flood or any other natural disaster,” he said. 

“Changing weather patterns and history all point towards the fact that this event could hit Western Australia at any stage and we all need to be ready.”  

Of the 695 respondents to the survey, more than half said they didn’t know exactly what to do during a bushfire, and more than two thirds admitted they hadn’t done enough to prepare. 

Mr Fewster said that during an emergency your ability to think clearly can be affected, so it’s important to do as much as possible now to prepare.

“Many things can go wrong, such as losing power and water, having roads cut off, becoming trapped and not being able to reach family members,” he said.    

Last season, more than 3,900 bushfires occurred across Western Australia including major fires in Boddington, Bullsbrook, Northcliffe and Waroona. 

To develop a bushfire survival plan or find out more about how to prepare your home for bushfires visit areyouready.wa.gov.au  

DFES recommends creating a bushfire plan, writing it down and practicing it with your family.