Bushfire survey on the way

DERWENT Valley residents are to be invited to take part in a survey that will help fire authorities better understand how people will react if threatened by a bushfire. Householders in Ouse will specifically receive a flyer in their letterbox about the survey but any Tasmanian resident who thinks they may be at risk of bushfire can participate via http:/tiny.cc/latrobebushfire.

The research is being undertaken by the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre, based at La Trobe University in Victoria. Research project manager Glenn Elliott said little was known about what drives a resident’s decision under imminent bushfire threat.

“Unlike other surveys we will be asking respondents to imagine that a bushfire has broken out near your home and then ask what you will do and why,” he said. “Generally speaking, people’s intentions are a good predictor of their eventual behavior, however there are other potential difficulties when a bushfire actually breaks out.”

Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Mike Brown said the research would provide important information to the TFS and other fire authorities around Australia. “When a resident finds a bushfire survey flyer in their letterbox we strongly urge them to read it, get the survey and complete it," he said.