A team of fire safety experts will be available to answer questions at an information hub from Thursday 16 until Sunday 19 February. The stand features a multimedia display, the latest bushfire planning materials and plenty of giveaways.
A local member of Victoria Police will also be on hand as part of Operation Firesetter, which aims to prevent and detect bushfire arsonists.
CFA Community Education Coordinator Chris Clugston urged people to take time to chat with CFA staff about their fire plan for summer.
“Gateway Plaza attracts a lot of people from surrounding areas of high fire risk and is a popular holiday location in the warmer months. We hope to catch these tourists holidaying in high risk areas and coming into town to do their shopping,” Mr Clugston said.
“As well as tourists the information is aimed at locals from surrounding high risk areas around Warrnambool and District including locations such as: Allansford, Bushfield, Dennington, Kirkstall, Mailors Flat, Marrivale, Panmure, Port Fairy, Purnim, Winslow and Woodford.”
“There are a lot people that visit the Coast that don’t give consideration to what it means to holiday and travel through high risk areas. We’re encouraging them to identify what they’re going to do, where they’ll go and how they’ll get there if a fire breaks out during their holiday break.
“Whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s a great idea to have the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (1800 240 667) saved in your phone or download the FireReady app so you can check if there’s anything happening in that area.
“The shopping centre stand is a great opportunity to have a face to face conversation to a CFA or Victoria Police member. We welcome the partnership with Victoria Police - working together to educate and inform the community is essential,” Mr Clugston said.
Acting Senior Sergeant Tania Barbary said that the shopping centre displays are extremely important to encourage the community to assist with arson prevention.
“While police are actively patrolling, we need your help to catch bushfire arsonists. If you’ve seen something or know something, say something. People have an obligation to come forward if they see or hear of anyone who just doesn’t seem right because without intervention, they may harm others,” Ms Barbary said.
The Gateway Plaza display will be open from the following times: Thursday 16 February (9am – 5:30pm), Friday 17 (9am – 9pm), Saturday 18 (9am – 5pm) and Sunday 19 (10am – 4pm).
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