Bushfire safety
The Bedford Park campus is susceptible to bushfire threats from adjacent undeveloped land on the southern boundary (Sturt Creek Conservation Park), the heavily wooded suburb of Belleview Heights on the eastern boundary and the University's own pine forest and native woodland adjacent to University Drive /Ring Road.
Bushfire threat could come from an external bushfire that migrates onto the campus or from a fire on University grounds.
Bushfire plan for the Bedford Park campus
If there is a bushfire on or near the Bedford Park campus, the University's Emergency Control Coordinator is responsible for activating the University's Bushfire Plan.
Staff, students, contractors and visitors are required to follow the directions of Chief Wardens, Wardens, Security Officers and the Emergency Control Coordinator in the event of a bushfire.
In particular if there is a bushfire on or near the campus:
- Close all windows and external doors.
- Remain, or go inside and await further instructions from Wardens, University Security or Emergency Services personnel.
- Do not evacuate from the campus or drive vehicles until or unless directed to do so by the incident Control Coordinator, Wardens, University Security or Emergency Services personnel.
Bushfire plans for other University sites
Where necessary (depending on the location of the site and the risk of a bushfire occurring), each other University site has a local Bushfire Plan which is to be followed in the event of a bushfire. Where University facilities are located within hospital buildings or grounds and where relevant, the local hospital procedures will apply. Contact the University's Emergency Control Coordinator or your local Chief Warden for further information.
Field trips, placements (work integrated learning) and bushfire safety
Planning for field trips, placements, practicum/work integrated learning must include a risk assessment which outlines the procedures to be followed in the event of a bushfire when the possibility of a bushfire is identified as a hazard. See Field Trips or speak with your WIL coordinator.
South Australia is divided into 15 Fire Ban districts. As you travel around the State (and similarly interstate), be sure that you know which Fire Ban District you are in and whether or not a Total Fire Ban has been declared in that District.
On days declared as catastrophic weather events people should not undertake, if possible, unnecessary travel. This includes for field work/placement and travel between rural and remote sites.
On total fire ban days it is best, if possible, to postpone a trip into bushland or high fire risk areas since the risk of fire starting and growing rapidly is extremely high.
Bushfire alerts
In South Australia, the Country Fire Service (CFS) issues bushfire information and bushfire warning messages on:
For other states, this information is available as follows:
