How residents can prepare

It is important to have a thorough bushfire survival plan in place. The safest option to protect you and your family is to leave early and avoid panic or making the wrong choices.

When creating your plan you should consider the following points, as well as who in the household will do each part.

• Which Fire Danger Rating is your trigger to leave?
• Where will you go?
• What route will you take?
• What will you take with you?
• What do you need to organise for your pets or livestock?
• Who will you tell that you’re leaving?
• How will you stay informed about warnings and updates?
• What is your plan B if your car won’t start?

Use the CFA Fire Ready Kit to develop your Bushfire Survival Plan.

• keep grass and undergrowth trimmed — below 200 mm
• rake up and reduce leaf litter and overgrown shrubs
• remove branches overhanging buildings and leaf litter from roofs and gutters
• store fuels and chemicals away from your house
• move woodpiles away from the house
• ensure underfloor areas are enclosed or screened
• prevent embers from entering your house by sealing gaps, vents and roof spaces

• reduce fuel for at least 20 metres around dwellings, your boundary fence and neighbours’ assets
• make your stock safe — build a fire safe area or paddock by creating a mineral earth break and reducing fuel loads
• create a firebreak of 10 metres around the perimeter of any allotment boundary that adjoins a township