Bushfire preparedness of rural-residents in selected Southeast Queensland Shires
(2006) Bushfire preparedness of rural-residents in selected Southeast Queensland Shires. In Proceedings Social Change in the 21st Century Conference 2006, Carseldine, Brisbane.
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Abstract
Severe bushfire events in Southeast Queensland over recent seasons have highlighted significant risks and potential impacts from this hazard faced by rural and rural-urban fringe properties. Although levels of preparedness are a known key component of vulnerability assessment and hazard management, there has been little research to date that investigates perceptions of these risks and actual preparedness behaviours by households in this geographical area. The present research addresses this gap by documenting the preparedness levels of rural-residents in several districts of the Brisbane Valley and eastern Darling Downs regions that contain areas of at least medium risk of bushfire hazard. Surveys were distributed to properties in the target area and residents were asked a range of questions related to: bushfire risk perception; access to communications; evacuation strategies; access to fire-fighting resources and knowledge of appropriate skills to cope with bushfire. Preliminary results indicate that a range of appropriate measures were being undertaken by respondents; for example, formulation of evacuation plans, provision around the home of basic fire-fighting equipment and local fuel reduction. On the other hand, many reported storing flammable liquids in inappropriate proximity to homes and were concerned about the lack of personal resources and skills to deal with a severe bushfire incident. Some respondents raised wider issues that affect preparation for bushfire hazard within the context of broader landmanagement policy.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Keywords: | bushfire; Southeast Queensland; bushfire preparedness |
| Subjects: | 370000 Studies in Human Society > 370100 Sociology > 370107 Social Change |
| ID Code: | 6084 |
| Deposited By: | Willans, Bernadette |
| Deposited On: | 08 February 2007 |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2006 (The authors) |