Protecting the Community and Property
As residents of the stunning District Council of Yankalilla we are blessed with natural beauty and a close-knit community. However, our region is not immune to the challenges posed by Australia's climate, especially during El Nino years. These periods of abnormal ocean warming can heighten the risk of bushfires in our area, making it crucial for us to be prepared, vigilant, and informed. In this article, we'll discuss what an El Nino year means for us, how to prepare our properties for bushfires, and where to find critical information for bushfire survival planning.
Understanding El Nino:
El Nino, a climatic phenomenon characterised by elevated temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, can lead to warmer and drier conditions. This translates into an increased bushfire risk for our region. It's vital to be aware of the potential impacts:
- Drought Conditions: El Nino often results in reduced rainfall and dry spells, creating conditions ripe for bushfires.
- Elevated Temperatures: Hotter temperatures can exacerbate fire dangers, making it essential to stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves.
Bushfire Preparation for Your Property:
- Clear Vegetation: Trim overhanging branches and remove dry vegetation near your home. Creating a firebreak can slow the advance of a bushfire.
- Gutter Maintenance: Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris. This helps prevent ember attacks on your roof.
- Water Supply: Ensure you have a reliable water source and firefighting equipment, such as hoses and pumps, readily available.
- Emergency Kits: Prepare emergency kits with essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, first-aid items, and important documents.
Visit CFS Website Preparing your home and property for additional information.
Creating Your Bushfire Survival Plan:
Developing a comprehensive bushfire survival plan is paramount. Consider these steps:
- Family Meeting: Discuss and agree on your bushfire survival plan with your family or household members. Everyone should understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Alert Systems: Familiarise yourself with emergency alert systems like the South Australian Alert SA app and emergency broadcasts.
- Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes from your area. Roads may become congested during a bushfire.
- Meeting Points: Establish meeting points outside your home and in your community where family members can reunite if separated.
We encourage all residence to educate themselves by visiting - CFS Bushfire Survival Plan webpage
- Writing and practicing you Bushfire Survival Plan
- Understanding bushfire behaviour
- Recognising days of high fire danger
- Preparing your home and property
- Create emergency kits
- Acting on days of high fire danger
- Consider your physical and emotional preparedness.
In the event of a fast-approaching bushfire and if evacuating is no longer an option, District Council of Yankalilla offers designated Bushfire Safer Places and Last Resort Refuges.
Bushfire Safe Place
A bushfire safe place is a place of relative safety. It may be used as a first resort for people who have planned to leave high risk location early on a bad fire day.
For further information – refer to CFS Facts Sheets – Bushfire Safer Places
- Normanville – This area is recognised as a safe area within the Council area – refer CFS Bushfire Safer Place – location by Council to view the area.
Last Resort Refuge:
Using a Bushfire Last Resort Refuge is a last-resort option if your plan fails, and you can’t reach a Bushfire Safer Place. These refuges are typically open fields and ovals marked with a sign. However, they lack facilities and aren’t suitable for pets of livestock.
Keep in mind that these refuges may not offer much protection or safety during an extreme fire situation. They can be uncomfortable and still pose a risk, but they’re better than being stranded on the road or on foot.
1. Carpark North of Cape Jervis Lighthouse: - Flinders Drive, Cape Jervis
2. Carrickalinga Reserve – Carrickalinga Road, Carrickalinga
3. Myponga Oval – Oval Drive, Myponga
4. Rapid Bay – Waterfront – Rapid Bay
5. Yankalilla Oval – Main South Road, Yankalilla
Know the difference!
Stay Informed
In the event of a Bushfire stay informed, do not rely on a single source for emergency warning information. CFS Website provides details information on being prepared, enacting a Bushfire Survival Plan and multiple sources to stay information during the event of a bushfire.
- Social Media – Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn
- Alert SA App
- Information Hotline – 1800 362 361
- Subscribe to CFS emails – email listserv@cfslist.sa.gov.au to subscribe with "SUBSCRIBE CFS-SUBSCRIBERS ANONYMOUS" and message "SUBSCRIBE CFS-SUBSCRIBERS ANONYMOUS".
- Emergency Broadcasters – ABC radio, FIVEaa Radio, Sky News Television, Commercial Radio Australia.
Download CFS Fact sheet – Ways to stay informed.
During the bushfire danger season, Council takes reports of non-compliant properties very seriously. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our community members. If we receive a report of a non-compliant property, we will investigate and respond accordingly, ranging from education and warnings to enforcement actions to ensure compliance with bushfire preparedness. Our goal is to reduce bushfire risks and create a safer environment for everyone.
It's essential to recognise that some reports are unrelated to bushfire preparedness, such as neighbour disputes, aesthetic concerns, tree removal requests, or snake worries. These reports can strain resources and divert attention from genuine safety issues. We ask residents to thoroughly assess the situation before filing a complaint to ensure our resources are used effectively. Your vigilance is appreciated in collectively enhancing bushfire safety.
Remember, preparation is key to protecting yourself, friends, family, neighbours, pets, livestock, wildlife and property during the Bushfire Danger Season. It’s important to understand the risk, plan ahead and stay informed.