RAA Insurance and the Country Fire Service are urging householders to prepare for bushfire danger as the first fire bans this season are in effect today.
Bushfires have burnt 400 homes causing more than $41 million of damage since 2015, RAA insurance claims data shows.
The figures come as the CFS issues total fire bans for the North West Pastoral, West Coast and Eastern Eyre Peninsula today (Wednesday 20, October 2021).
RAA records also show bushfire claims are occurring from as early as November to as late as May.
Today’s fire bans prompted a warning from RAA and the CFS for residents and holidaymakers in bushfire risk areas to avoid being complacent, and to take the necessary steps to reduce the danger to their property and lives.
RAA Claims Manager Hayley Cain said planning for the bushfire threat could make all the difference and echoed safety advice provided by the CFS, urging householders to clean up around their homes.
“There are several steps residents should take to reduce fire fuel around their homes,’’ she said.
Ms Cain also urged residents in fire danger districts to heed CFS advice to have a Bushfire Survival Plan.
She also advised the thousands of holiday-makers who travel around South Australia for summer holidays to remain vigilant regarding the bushfire danger.
“If you’re travelling through the state be sure to check the daily fire danger alerts and be aware of the applicable fire bans,’’ she said.
The CFS is urging residents to prepare their families, homes, and properties now.
Acting Director Preparedness Operations, Joel Taggart said the community needs to play its part by cleaning up around the home.
“Small steps to prepare your home by clearing vegetation around your house, removing flammable objects from verandas and clearing gutters, will be beneficial in the long run,” Mr Taggart said.
“It’s critical that anyone who lives, works, or travels through an area where a bushfire can occur knows exactly where the safest place to seek shelter is, and that they have a plan.”
For more information on preparing visit: https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/prepare-for-a-fire/
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