A big problem with relying on any bushfire
shelter is how to get there safely.
A huge danger of such refuges is
travel to them by outlying evacuees.
Travel
to a bushfire refuge should never be acted on as a ‘last resort’.
A
decision to seek refuge away from home must be a pre-planned bushfire response.
Community bushfire shelters need:
Multiplicity, so that outlying evacuees can reach one safely in a
short time.
- A central situation within a built-up township is of
limited use to outer residents.
Solid building with protected windows and doors, secure roof and
sheltered exits.
Roof structurally strong enough to withstand winds
over 150 km/h.
Clear of flammable vegetation for at
least 40m. Entirely clear of wood-chip mulch.
Ventilation that does not admit
smoke.
Roof and ground sprinklers.
Large reserve water supply,
independent of mains pressure.
Space to accommodate local evacuees plus tourists.
Access early on each day of announced bushfire danger and for its
duration.
Facilities for water, food and rest. Amenities for babies and the
frail.
Sufficient toilets. Shade and
water for pets.
First aid and firefighting
equipment.
Sufficient parking, clear of
flammable trees, grass, woodchips, etc.
Public recognition that:
Vacated houses of shelterers have a high incidence of unimpeded
ignition.
Some safety is provided by Tunnels. Brick toilet blocks.
Questionable
safety provided by
Open spaces such sports’ grounds, parks, race tracks and beaches.
Disadvantage of exposure to heat, smoke, showers of
embers.
Neighbourhood Safer Places
The 2009 Royal Commission’s
concept of Neighbourhood Safer Places
as community bushfire shelters is fundamentally flawed.
* A huge danger (as
with all refuges) is how to get to them safely when a fire is in the area,
with
flying embers starting spot fires, and trees falling.
* They are defined
as ‘places of last resort’ to go to ‘during the passage of a fire’
– which is
the very most dangerous time to be outside, let alone travelling, and against
all
bushfire authority safety advice.
* They need have no
amenities - even water - not cater for animals, and need not have
features that
offer any more safety than a well-prepared house.
* If they are open spaces, refugees will be
exposed to hot ash and embers falling on them
and breathing thick smoke.
* They will not be
available for early evacuation, for all-day, or night-time use.
* Anyone who does use
an NSP
– please remember to take a heavy-duty pure wool blanket and drinking
water with you.
The
safest ‘shelter of last resort’ is a pure wool blanket.
Extract from Essential Bushfire Safety Tips (CSIRO)
