Bushfire warning

Five municipalities on notice from insurance giant

AUSSIES are failing to heed warnings of horror bushfire seasons, with more than one in three admitting they have done nothing to prepare for bushfire.

A study by Red Cross shows 35 per cent have failed to act. The findings come as a new report reveals the top five Tasmanian council areas with the most homes at risk from bushfire are based in the state’s south.

TASMANIANS have been urged to reassess their bushfire survival plans as a new report reveals the top five council areas most at risk of bushfire.

Insurance company IAG — the parent company of NRMA and CGU — this week announced Hobart, Glenorchy, Clarence, Kingborough and Huon Valley as the municipalities facing the highest bushfire risk based on the total sum of properties at risk.

Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol said any home near the bush was at risk of bushfire.

“Anyone who lives in or near the bush should make a bushfire survival plan that sets out what they will do to prepare their home for bushfire, and what they will do if a bushfire approaches their property,” he said.

“Writing and practising a bushfire survival plan will help people think through their actions logically, gives them something to refer to, and can help control fear and anxiety if a bushfire breaks out nearby.”

Mr Arnol said the plan should include:

STEPS you are going to take to prepare your home for bushfire.

IF you are planning to stay, the steps you are going to take to make sure you can defend your home safely.

STEPS you are going to take to make sure you can leave early for a safe place — even if you had originally planned to stay.

LIST of nearby safer places that you can escape to at short notices as a last resort if your plan fails.

IAG natural perils executive manager Mark Leplastrier said bushfire risk was increasing across the country due to higher temperatures, lower humidity and higher evaporation rates.

“It’s important that people understand the risks they face so they can make the right decisions about where they choose to live, how to reduce their risk, and how they prepare for a bushfire if they are in a high-risk area,” Mr Leplastrier said.