Country Fire Authority is encouraging all Victorians who care for someone in high bushfire risk areas to make a fire plan and be prepared this season by using CFA’s online bushfire planning module.
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 urging Victorians who provide unpaid or informal care, to use the module to keep everyone safe and prepared this season.
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.
Mr 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 chief executive 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.
The e-learning module Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for and its supporting resources are at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/carers.
