European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Bushfires have shattered almost 2,000 homes, killed human lives in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and destroyed a total of 4,9 m hectares in New South Wales alone. Emergency warnings had been issued nationwide including in Armidale New South Wales. Efforts have been made to minimize the impact. Advanced information on how to prevent or how to survive a disaster is much needed in this situation. The research was to acknowledge how the bush fire risk communication was applied among the people in New South Wales Australia. The research conducted qualitative research with a case study approach. Data collection techniques used were in-depth interview and document studies. Nine informants that live in Armidale were interviewed. Result found bush fire communication included exchanged information in donation forms provided in dining places and volunteers’ jobs. Baby boomers generation preferred the ABC local radio to access more thorough information about the bush fire, but a few of them were also satisfied with the online media application. Meanwhile, the millennials preferred online media to access more updated information. Risk communication provided information about how far was the fire with the informants’ location, the level of fire, and the fire danger ratings and also what action should the people do. Risk communication should start first from the government level with a well-prepared plan; however, the people itself should also take control and have a fire plan and activate it when needed.