The current State Bushfire
Safety message issued by bushfire authorities states:
“On a ‘Code
Red’ day, ALL residents of high-risk areas
are
advised to leave the night before or early in the day.”
This is NOT POSSIBLE to achieve:
logistically, socially, emotionally or practically.
For traders and businesses
to shut up shop; for families to pack up and relocate infants, school children,
aged parents and pets; for farmers to desert their animals; for doctors to
abandon patients and for hospitals to outsource their ill is not a workable
solution.
Exit roads can become
impassable – trees fallen, bridges down, spot fires .
There are many financially
needy, aged and disabled rural residents who normally rely on others for
transport. At a time of evacuation, the usual ‘lift’ may plan to stay and
defend. Or, if evacuating, piled high as their car will be with their own
family, pets and possessions, there may not be room for an extra person.
Especially if they use a wheelie-walker or wheelchair. The planned destination
of the usual ‘lift’ may not be that of the hopeful passenger.
Will ‘evacuation
of all residents’ include
every patient from every hospital & nursing home
& every prisoner from every gaol ?
To be transported to where? – Melbourne or Geelong
Or to will only
the medical staff and prison officers evacuate – and leave the patients and
prisoners to their own devices?
What of animal
hostels, horse studs and vetinerary clinics?
Will the staff evacuate and leave the animals – some ill in cages - to
their fates?
Or will they
evacuate the animals with them, travelling in confined quarters for long
distances on the hottest days, subject to death from heat stress?
The community MUST
be advised of safe options other than evacuation.
People MUST be
advised of the ways to achieve the three options of safe defence and safe
shelter as well as the option of safe evacuation.
Essential Bushfire
Safety Tips and The Complete Bushfire Safety Book explain every option in
detail. www.bushfiresafety.blogspot.com.au
