Hard-Hitting Advertising Campaign to Ensure Victorians are FireReady
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan recently unveiled a new series of hard-hitting bushfire advertisements funded by the Victorian Government in a bid to save lives this summer.
Mr Ryan said less than three years since the tragic 2009 Victorian bushfires which had claimed 173 lives, authorities were concerned complacency was creeping back into the community.
"Victoria is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world so it is crucial the community understands and recognises the importance of preparing for fires before summer arrives."
The advertisements reinforce the need for all Victorians to be prepared and practice their survival plans this fire season, not just residents living in high-risk areas but also those who are travelling around the state.
"These chilling advertisements include a 60-second television commercial that describes the horror of what it would actually be like to be caught in a bushfire," Mr Ryan said.
"The important lesson from this is that if you have a bushfire plan then you are not risking your life, or your family's, on a last-minute decision."
Mr Ryan said it has never been easier to access information to create a fire plan or check warnings and conditions.
The new version of the FireReady smartphone application was released during Fire Action Week earlier this month. It provides Victorians with up-to-date warnings and other useful information, such as distance of a fire from your current location.
Victorians are urged to develop their fire plan early and practise it with family or friends. For those who are planning to travel, visit the CFA website to check the fire warnings before you go. Visit the CFA website for useful resources and tools, including Online Bushfire Information Session, the My Plan and Travellers' Checklist.
Download the free CFA FireReady smartphone apps for the latest information and updates, from wherever you are.