A REAL HONOR: Long-standing Tawonga CFA member Bruce Vine has been awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal. Photo: Alex Craig
VOLUNTEER Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) vice president and Tawonga CFA member Bruce Vine has endorsed a first-of-its-kind campaign to persuade every Victorian to think like a volunteer and be prepared for bushfires.
"I encourage all residents to take heed of the Think Like a Volunteer program," he said.
"Volunteers are trained, prepared and work to a plan.
"All residents are encouraged to prepare their own plan.
"Together we can achieve a fire-safe community."
VFBV president and CFA volunteer Hans van Hamond said thinking like a volunteer is all about being prepared and having a plan.
"Experience shows that one of the great dangers to members of the public on a day of serious bushfire threat is simply not knowing what to do," Mr van Hamond said.
"If your plan is to leave a high risk area, you need to choose the trigger signal that says it’s time to leave, have your travel bag packed and know where you are going - make those decisions now and you are thinking like a volunteer and preparing for a safer summer."
Any Victorian who is not sure about making their own fire plan can visit the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au)for simple instructions.
Alternatively call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 for an information kit or speak to your local CFA.
|