Kevin Andrews (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In my electorate of Menzies, especially the areas of Warrandyte and Wonga Park, Park Orchards, Eltham and Kangaroo Ground, the risk of fire is real, and that's why it's important that people have in place a plan for the coming fire season. Not everyone thinks clearly in an emergency. Taking steps to get prepared before the fire season means you know what to do when there's a risk of fire. A written and preferably well-practised plan will help you remember what needs to be done during a crisis. The Country Fire Authority has a bushfire survival planning template on its website, and I commend it to all my constituents and others in bushfire-prone areas. This year more than others, it's also necessary to take account of any particular requirements because of the COVID-19 virus.

Leaving home early is the safest option for people to protect themselves and their families. That means leaving before there are signs of fire, not when there's flame and smoke all around. The template from the CFA addresses questions like: which fire danger rating is your trigger to leave? Will you leave early in the morning or late the night before? Where will you go? What route will you take? Is there an alternative route if that route is cut off? What will you take with you? Do you need to organise for pets or livestock? Who do you need to keep informed about your movements? Is there someone else outside your household who also needs assistance? I commend the CFA website to all my constituents.