As part of National Carers Week, Country Fire Authority (CFA) is urging Victorians, including those in Sunbury and Macedon Ranges, who care for someone in high bushfire risk areas to make a fire plan.
Residents can make a plan by using CFA’s online bushfire planning module in preparation for the looming fire season.
The module, Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for, was developed in collaboration with Carers Victoria for anyone who provides care or support to someone living with disability, mental illness, chronic health issues or age-related conditions.
CFA and Carers Victoria are encouraging Victorians who provide unpaid or informal care to use the module to keep everyone safe and prepared this season.
The module’s main topics include; your role is important, who needs to be prepared, start a conversation, build a plan, people who may choose to stay and resources.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it was vital Victorians prioritised their bushfire plan.
“If you care for someone living in a high-risk bushfire area, this learning module is for you,” he said.
So far, more than 417 people have enrolled in the course, with 280 completing the online bushfire planning module since it was launched two years ago.
Mr Heffernan said it is essential people are aware of emergency situations that might arise during the summer season.
“Vulnerable people don’t always have the luxury of throwing together a last-minute plan if there is a fire emergency, which is why it’s so important to undertake the module,” he said.
“We appreciate that there are so many day-to-day challenges carers must consider when caring for someone, which can complicate an already stressful emergency situation, so it’s important everyone has a plan.”
Carers Victoria chief executive Judith Abbott noted how important it is that the needs of people in care relationships are actively considered and supported.
“We are pleased to be part of efforts to better support people in care relationships who live in bushfire prone areas,” she said.
“If you haven’t already, I encourage you to look at the planning resource – it’s a great way to get that all important planning done.”
Victorians can learn more about fire danger rating system changes on the CFA website, where they can also find more information about how to make a bushfire survival plan.
Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/carers and www.carersvictoria.org.au
