Think Like a Volunteer

Member for Narracan, Gary Blackwood, has welcomed a message from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) encouraging communities to Think like a Volunteer this summer as they prepare their fire safety plans.

In supporting the CFA volunteers Think like a Volunteer campaign, Mr Blackwood said communities should prepare now and approach CFA and volunteers if they are unsure how best to prepare a fire safety plan.

'When it comes to preparing a fire plan, Victorian's should take advantage of the knowledge held by our CFA volunteers who have a wealth of experience in not only fighting our state Bushfires, but also in preparing for them,' said Mr Blackwood.

Preparing a fire plan can be done in many ways such as by visiting the CFA website  at www.cfa.vic.gov.au, calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or simply by speaking to your local CFA for advice or support. 

Mr Blackwood said it is important that individuals and families recognise that they have an important role to play in their own safety and that by acknowledging CFA's warning and preparing a fire safety plan they are supporting the invaluable work done by CFA in protecting our regional communities and towns.

'The Victorian Coalition Government has dedicated many resources to assisting the CFA in regional Victoria so they can respond to fire events on all scales but much of the responsibility still lies with individuals and families to have a well-rehearsed and understood plan in place.

'We appreciate the great contribution of CFA volunteers and we recognise that when a member of the public has a fire plan they are becoming part of the community effort and contributing to the safety of their own home and family,' Mr Blackwood said.

The local volunteers' Think like a Volunteer campaign is supported by the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victorias (VFBV) first fire safety TV commercial, and is being run in conjunction with the Department of Justice and is designed to complement the Victorian Government's existing fire safety campaign.

Media contact - Matt Green 0458 891 465