Mentally Preparing for Fire Season

Getting “bushfire ready” is something most farmers take very seriously - preparing for bushfire season is firmly earmarked in the calendar.

Even if not severely impacted by a fire, many farmers have difficulty in getting back to feed livestock, access vehicles or have to urgently find ways to contain their animals after fencing had been destroyed. Many don't know how mentally stressful the aftermath would be for their business.
Bushfire season can add to mental health risk factors, especially if the fire service is far away from a farming property. People who have experienced bushfires can also experience feelings of fear and anxiety when reminded of a traumatic experience.

You can build bushfire preparedness - both physically and mentally - into the overall safety culture on your farm. And while you can’t control whether there’s a bushfire or not, you can use a risk-management approach to work-related stress.

This podcast is part of the Primary Producer Knowledge Network led by the National Centre for Farmer Health to promote mentally healthy workplaces. Campfire, part of The Primary Producer Knowledge Network, is funded by the Victorian State Governments WorkSafe WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund.