Neighbourhood Safer Places

Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) are a place of last resort during bushfires. It is always safest to leave early. If all other plans have failed, NSPs may offer some protection from radiant heat. There are risks involved and it is important to understand the role of a Neighbourhood Safer Place. Read about these details below. 

We have five Neighbourhood Safer Places:

  • Thoona Hall
  • Devenish Hall
  • Goorambat Hall
  • Swanpool & District Memorial Hall
  • Tatong Recreational Reserve Community Hub


NSPs may afford some protection from radiant heat, the biggest killer during bushfire.

In high-risk bushfire areas, leaving early is your safest option. This is particularly so on Code Red, Extreme and Severe Days. Fires on these days are dangerous. Even people who are extremely well prepared can die fighting fires at home.

However, the degree of safety afforded by the location will depend on a number of factors including the intensity of the bushfire.

Please be aware of the following risks associated with NSPs:

  • An NSP is a place of last resort when all other plans have failed
  • NSPs are not an alternative to planning either to leave early or staying to actively defend your property
  • They are not inherently ‘safe’ places during a bushfire
  • Many houses will provide greater protection than NSPs
  • Travelling to an NSP may be dangerous. Traffic congestion, fire activity, heavy smoke, accidents or fallen trees may block the route
  • There is no guarantee that you will not be injured or killed by fire or radiant heat when travelling to or sheltering at an NSP
  • While emergency services will make every effort to protect people sheltering at NSPs, there is no guarantee that emergency services will be present
  • There are no provisions for pets
  • NSPs generally have limited parking. Large numbers of vehicles may further compromise what little protection the area affords
  • No amenities (for example, food, drinks and toilets) are provided
  • NSPs are not a Fire Refuge, Relief Centre, Recovery Centre, Assembly Area, or informal place of shelter, each of which has a different and specific purpose
  • NSPs are not designed to replace a personal bushfire survival plan

The CFA advises that everyone should have a written plan.  For further information view the CFA information on Bushfire Survival, or visit the CFA website.

 

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