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A CFA pilot program is helping households at higher risk create tailored emergency plans, ahead of the upcoming fire season.
The Emergency Planning Advice Service (EPAS) is designed for people who have a significant or permanent disability, who are older and frail and may live alone or who have a chronic or acute medical condition, and who require support to remain living independently at home.
CFA Senior Engagement Advisor for People at Higher Risk, Angela Cook, said the program uses a person-centred approach to help participants plan for emergencies.
"We've found the approach so useful for people to self-assess their own preparedness, and to take control where they can," Angela said.
"We are then there to support them in brainstorming solutions.
Research shows people in these higher risk groups are up to four times more likely to die in a fire. EPAS addresses both the individual preparedness needs and the collaborative action required to improve safety for those most at risk.
The program began as part of CFA's Preparing Vulnerable People project in 2019, which aimed to improve targeted support for those most at risk during emergencies.
Following a partnership proposal from the Australian Red Cross, CFA co-developed EPAS throughout 2020 and 2021, with municipal-level trials beginning in 2021.
"People are experts in their own lives, and emergency preparedness starts with them," Angela said.
"EPAS has now been trialled across multiple Victorian council areas, with evaluations showing it significantly improves preparedness for participants."
Lisa Blackman, one of the program's CFA facilitators, said going out to see residents in their own home, one-one-one, is much more empowering.
"It's so important to reach out to people who are getting older, who might have mobility issues, or who might have a disability, especially if they live remotely or don't have support," Lisa said.
Although still a pilot program, in certain parts of the state, Victorians who meet the higher risk criteria, or those supporting them, can learn more and register their interest by visiting engage.cfa.vic.gov.au/projects/emergency-planning-advice-service.
