CFA targets Christmas shoppers

The initiative starts in Mildura tomorrow (Thursday) until Sunday. CFA volunteers and staff will be available to answer questions and discuss shoppers’ bushfire survival plans.

CFA Director of Community Safety Terry Hayes said the organisation is targeting high-traffic areas at shopping centres leading up to Christmas and during the following sale period.

“Shopping centres are a convenient way for people to get information including locals, residents of nearby rural areas and tourists doing their Christmas shopping,” he said.

“It is critical that all people are aware of the bushfire risk in their area and have a clear plan of action. People need to have an understanding of Fire Danger Ratings and other warnings that will trigger them to act.

“The new shopping centre stands will provide access to a range of information including booklets, fact sheets as well as a few giveaways for the kids. Staff on-site can talk you through bushfire preparedness and answer any questions you may have.”

Today’s announcement follows the Bureau of Meteorology’s release of its Seasonal Climate Outlooks for December to February which predicts a 60-65 per cent chance of below average rain, and a 60-80 per cent chance of above average maximum temperatures in Victoria.

“With maximum temperatures set to rise above average over the coming three months, plus an above average risk for grassfire we are urging people to take a five minute break from shopping and drop into the CFA stand,” Mr Hayes said.

“Our members have expert knowledge around local fire risk and can provide advice and answer questions, as was shown by the success of CFA Sunday last weekend.

“We’re always looking for new ways to communicate with people about bushfire safety. There are nearly 100,000 fans of the CFA Facebook page, a rapidly growing number of Twitter followers and a newly launched smartphone application.”

Locations include:

Centro Mildura - November 24–27            
Riverside Plaza Shepparton - December 1–4                             
Westfield Geelong - December 8–11                    
Westfield Plenty Valley - December 15–18                           
Chirnside Park - January 5–8                      
Stockland Wendouree - January 12–15                  
Rosebud Plaza - January 19–22                  
Bendigo Marketplace - January 27–30                  
Stockland Traralgon - February 2-5.