In emergencies such as bushfires, people can use up more emotional energy than they realise. They put themselves in a survival state to deal with the problems they face.
This is called a state of stress. The longer the emergency, the stronger the symptoms of stress are likely to be. It is also important to understand stress is normal and natural, but needs to be recognised so it does not cause further problems.
Emotional wellbeing after a bushfire
After the crisis has passed a few guiding principles will set up a good recovery.
- Concentrate on restoring safety, routine and familiarity as soon as possible
- Try to remain calm and come out of adrenalin mode - only when we are out of the arousal state can we get in touch with what we need
- Get together with loved ones, friends or those who you trust, restore the connections to other people and community
- Talk about what you have been through. People in the same place at the same time don’t have the same experience - everyone sees in their own way; we can’t understand other’s reactions unless we know what they went through
- Talk to children and explain what people feel, be prepared for them to go back to earlier patterns of behaviour during this recovery period
- Find out about reactions people experience and the period of time people take to recover
- Plan for quality time, rest, recreation and doing enjoyable things. This is how we restore the lost energy
- Keep an eye on each other – we are all different and we can help people who feel overwhelmed or confused
- If you or others continue to feel bad, can’t move on, feel numb or detached, continue to be anxious or lack motivation, then get more information or talk to recovery workers who can help you understand where the recovery process is stuck and suggest strategies for moving on.
Fences damaged by bushfires and planned burns
CFA and DSE will help repair fences damaged during bushfires, bushfire suppression activities and planned burning under the Government's Fencing and Control Line policy.
Key points:
- Where fires start on private land and are under the control of CFA, CFA provides some limited assistance for the rehabilitation of fire control lines and repair to fences damaged by machinery. DSE will assist CFA where possible. (no change from previous policy)
- Government will meet half the cost of materials to replace or repair fencing between private land and all national parks, state parks and state forests destroyed or damaged by bushfires.
- The Victorian Government will pay 100% of the restoration costs of fences damaged on private land as a result of machinery used by fire agencies to control bushfires.
- Government will pay the cost of asset restoration if fences or other assets are destroyed or damaged by planned burns on public land escaping onto private land.
This policy was updated in June 2011. Visit the DSE website for full details.
Resources for your recovery
For CFA, managing an emergency is more than fighting a fire. How we respond to an alert or threat; are affected by smoke and other contaminants; are aware of the onsite hazards of damaged property; and deal with trauma or loss is critical at all stages of a fire.
The recovery of a community needs to occur both during and after a fire to enable people to respond appropriately to any immediate threat, and to minimise the long- term impact on public health and safety.
CFA is working closely with Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DH) to build on our co-operative emergency management. The departments provide a range of public health and recovery information for residents who have been, or are likely to be affected by bushfire.
For more details, visit the Victorian Bushfire Support website
2009 Bushfires Information
Extensive information is available about the 2009 Victorian Bushfires at the following websites:
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority
http://www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au/
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal
Department of Sustainability and Environment
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/fire-and-other-emergencies
