A new public awareness campaign aimed at shaking Northern Tablelands resid-ents out of complacency this bushfire season has been unveiled by the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) today.
Superintendant Chris Wallbridge said the $2.3 million NSW Rural Fire Service Prepare Act Survive campaign encourages people to take action and make a plan for what to do during a fire.
“The message this bush-fire season is clear: to give you and your property the best chance of survival, you need to plan and do it now,” Superintendant Chris Wallbridge said. “Most people know they should have a plan but put it off, thinking it won’t happen to them. As we have seen with recent fires in the Glen Innes, Inverell and Tenterfield areas, fire can approach quickly, and catch people off guard if you are not adequately prepared. “Bush and grass fires are a part of the landscape in Glen Innes, Inverell and Tenterfield Districts but, despite this, many people fail to prepare their homes and their families for them.
“This new campaign tells people in plain language that simply planning to make a plan is not a plan,” Superintendant Chris Wallbridge said.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the new campaign will begin rolling out state- wide this week, with television, radio, online, outdoor and newspaper advertisements warning against complacency.
“Worryingly, only 25 per cent of NSW residents who live in bushfire prone land have a Bush Fire Survival Plan,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“Complacency is a big worry heading into the warmer months. NSW RFS firefighters have attended more than 2400 bush and grass fires across the state in the last three months alone. The risk is real.
“Making a plan is not difficult and it could save you and your family this bush-fire season,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
View the advertisements, Bush Fire Survival Plans and preparation fact sheets on the NSWRFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
For more information, contact Northern Tablelands Team on 02 6732 7046 or email media@rfs.nsw.gov.au
