CFA and Carers Victoria are urging unpaid or informal carers to use a bushfire module aiming to keep everyone safe and prepared this ahead of the fire season.
The Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for module was developed for anyone who provides care or support to someone living with disability, mental illness, chronic health issues or age-related conditions.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it’s important that every Victorian is able to have a bushfire plan, and these resources will equip carers with the skills to prepare a tailored plan for the person they care for.
“If you care for someone living in a high-risk bushfire area, this learning module is for you,” he said.
So far, more than 160 people have completed the online bushfire planning module since it was launched last year.
Chief Officer Heffernan added that vulnerable people don’t always have the luxury of throwing together a last-minute plan in the event of a fire emergency and that is why this module is so important for so many people.
“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 vital our community is proactive and ensure everyone has a plan.”
Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott noted how important it is that the needs of people in care relationships are actively considered and supported.
“Resources like this help equip carers plan for risks like bushfire, which is an important step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Victorians in care relationships” she said.
As of 1 September, the new fire danger rating system changed and is now nationally consistent across every state and territory.
The system reduces the number of fire danger levels from six in the previous system, to four; Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.
Victorians can learn more about these fire danger rating system changes on the CFA website, where they can also find more information about how to make a bushfire survival plan.
The e-learning module, Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for and its supporting resources are available on CFA’s website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/carers. To learn more about Carers Victoria, visit www.carersvictoria.org.au.
