For the safety of our congregation, volunteers and visitors, Sunset Rock Uniting Church has adopted the following policy for days of elevated bushfire risk.
On days when the CFS declares an Extreme Fire Danger Rating with a Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) of 75 or above for the Mount Lofty Ranges, or a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, all church services, activities and gatherings at the church premises will be cancelled.
This includes worship services, meetings, community activities, events and other church gatherings.
The Fire Danger Rating indicates how dangerous a bushfire could be if one were to occur. The CFS advises that an Extreme rating means people should take action to protect their life and property, while on a Catastrophic day people in bushfire-risk areas should leave to ensure their survival.
This policy reflects the approach taken by other organisations in the Adelaide Hills. Adelaide Hills Council, for example, closes some community facilities and cancels programs when an Extreme 75+ or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared for the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Church Council will communicate any cancellation through the church’s usual communication channels as early as possible.
Please check the Fire Danger Rating for the Mount Lofty Ranges on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website after 4pm each day. The rating for the following day is generally available from this time.
Please check the Fire Danger Rating before travelling to church on days of high fire danger.