A new book by Charles Sturt University graduate John Schauble should be essential reading for Australian households this summer.

Entitled The Australian Bushfire Safety Guide, this indispensable and practical book takes a three-step approach covering what should be done to prepare for a fire, what to do during a fire and how to cope afterwards. 

A senior journalist with the Melbourne Age, John has written extensively on fire-related matters. In 1997, his coverage of bushfires in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges won the Melbourne Press Club’s Gold Quill Award. A volunteer firefighter with the Country Fire Authority of Victoria for over 20 years, John was the recipient of the National Medal for Service in 2000.

He has recently completed a degree in Emergency Management from Charles Sturt University and his course lecturer Ian Manock is delighted with his achievement.

“John’s many years of involvement in the emergency services, his position as a senior journalist and most recently his success in completing our emergency management degree have provided him with a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding that in turn has enabled him to produce this very valuable public awareness and education publication.

Every year hundreds of Australian homes are lost and countless lives are affected adversely in some way by the impact of bushfires. There is still a lot that we can do both as emergency managers and members within our own communities to reduce the incidence of bushfires and their impact,” said Mr Manock.

The Australian Bushfire Safety Guide covers essential information for the bushfire season including understanding bushfire behaviour, making homes and properties fire-safe, travelling during bushfire season, personal safety, insurance, first-aid and animal care.