CFA school closure resources for members
CFA has created two new learning resources for members to help them better understand school closures on elevated fire risk days and how this impacts the school community.
Members can watch an informative video featuring fellow members outline the Department of Education Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) as well as access a fact sheet on Members Online that clarifies what the policy is, how it works, and how it may affect your brigade.
These resources have been produced following feedback from members who were seeking clarity on school closures during Extreme and Catastrophic days.
Each resource explains how the Department of Education’s Bushfire and Grassfire preparedness policy is used and how schools communicate with their respective community before enacting their plans for Extreme and Catastrophic fire danger rated days.
All schools and early childhood services are categorised according to their bushfire risk by the Department of Education. Those at significant risk of bushfire are placed on the BARR.
Brigades are encouraged to find out what their local school risk category is and be informed of the schools Emergency Management Plan. If brigades actively work with the school, everyone is on the same page and CFA can be consistent with our communications to school communities.
CFA encourages brigades to show the video at brigade training or meeting night to ensure all members are aware and can answer questions in their community.
If you would like more information, contact your District Community Engagement Coordinator.