PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE - FIRE READY KIT
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PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE. FIRE READY KIT
FOREWORD
The fire season poses a significant threat to all those living, working
or travelling in Victoria. Preparation and planning ahead can save
you and your family from being killed by fire.
The FireReady Kit has been developed by CFA as a valuable resource.
It will help you prepare your Bushfire Survival Plan. Remember, even
if you did a plan last year you must review and update it.
CFA urges all residents to have a written survival plan that takes into
account family members, visitors and pets. If you work or intend to
travel in a high-risk fire area you are also encouraged to prepare a plan.
Understanding the risks that lead to bushfire, how bushfires behave
and identifying your ‘triggers’ are key. Undertaking preparations or
works around your property is an important part of becoming ready
for the fire season.
You are not alone in your preparations. Advice and support is available
with details provided throughout this kit. Draw on these resources to
make this bushfire season a safe one.
Euan Ferguson AFSM
Chief Officer
CFA makes this information available on the understanding that you take reasonable care when using it. If you have any uncertainty
about the application of the information to your particular circumstance, you should obtain further professional advice:
CFA does not accept responsibility for how you apply, or rely on the information in this publication.
FRK 10/2011
1
Cover: The residents of this house
have left early due to a Code Red
fire danger day.
SECTION 01
AM I AT RISK? 03
SECTION 02
PREPARE FOR 15
BUSHFIRE:
LEAVING EARLY
IS THE SAFEST
OPTION
SECTION 03
YOUR PROPERTY: 23
HOW PREPARED
IS IT?
SECTION 04
PLAN FOR 37
SURVIVAL
TEAR OUT
BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL
PLANNING TEMPLATE:
LEAVING EARLY
2
SECTION 01
AM I AT RISK?
NEED SOME HELP?
Visit cfa.vic.gov.au
Call the Victorian
Bushfire Information
Line on 1800 240 667 or
via National Relay Service
on 1800 555 677
SECTION 01
AM I AT RISK?
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world.
Understanding your level of risk is the first step in
developing your Bushfire Survival Plan.
It only takes two weeks of hot, dry and windy weather to
create dangerous fire conditions. So, if you live, work or travel
in Victoria this summer, you may be at risk of bushfire.
If you live near or visit areas that are heavily forested, have
thick bush or long, dry grass, or coastal areas with lots of scrub
you are at risk of fire.
Fires can occur where suburbs meet the bush or in urban areas
where houses have grassland, bush or parkland around them.
4
WHAT CREATES BUSHFIRE RISK?
VEGETATION WEATHER TOPOGRAPHY
The intensity of a bushfire will be Extreme heat, gusting winds and Topography influences the speed
affected by the amount and type of low rainfall dramatically increases and intensity of a fire.
vegetation around your home. Local the level of bushfire risk. The A fire will burn faster up a hill.
terrain, such as hills and valleys, combination of dry conditions with As a fire moves up a hill it will
also plays a role. hot, dry and windy days means intensify in speed and heat.
Bushfire will behave differently bushfires can quickly become Being on top of a hill in a bushfire
depending on the environment it uncontrollable. This places lives makes you more vulnerable.
is burning in. These environments and property at risk.
As wind passes over a hill or
include: A change in wind direction is one windbreak the wind can tumble,
grass or paddocks of the most dangerous influences creating turbulence and erratic fire
on fire behaviour. Many people who behaviour. Valleys and gullies can
forest and woodland die in bushfires get caught during channel and strengthen wind.
coastal scrub or after a wind change.
bush and grassland fringes. Have a look at page 25 for
Have a look at pages 8-13 for more information. Poor road access, such as
more information about high-risk narrow streets in hilly areas,
environments. may make it difficult for
firetrucks to get in and for
residents to leave.
IMAGE TO COME
5
WHAT IS AN EMBER ATTACK?
Embers are burning twigs, leaves and pieces of debris.
Ember attack occurs when twigs and leaves are carried
by the wind and land on or around a house.
Embers can land on top of debris in your gutters and
set fire to your house.
Ember attack is the most common way houses catch
fire during bushfires.
Ember attack can happen before, during and after the bushfire.
6
WHAT IS RADIANT HEAT?
Radiant heat is the heat that you feel from a fire.
Radiant heat is the biggest killer of people and animals in a fire.
The best protection from radiant heat is distance.
A solid object, such as a brick wall, and suitable clothing
can offer some protection from radiant heat. But they may
not save your life.
Don’t get caught in the open – radiant heat can kill you.
7
LIVING IN A HIGH-RISK ENVIRONMENT
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT?
You are at risk if you live in any of these environments.
A
CLOSE TO OR AMONG
GRASS OR PADDOCKS
B
CLOSE TO OR AMONG
FOREST AND WOODLAND
C
NEAR COASTAL SCRUB
D
WHERE SUBURBS MEET
THE BUSH OR GRASSLANDS
8 9
A. Close to or among
grass or paddocks
Grassfires can be extremely
dangerous – people can
die in grassfires.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Dry and brown grass that Large amounts of radiant heat.
easily catches fire. Fires that can start early
rass more than 10 centimetres
G in the day.
tall will have a higher flame F aster moving fires that travel
height and intensity. up to 25 kilometres per hour.
F aster burning than through In open grassland speed
forests as grass is a finer fuel. increases up to 60 kilometres
per hour.
10B. Close to or among
forest and woodlands
Risk is most extreme if you live
surrounded by or near forest
that is difficult to see through.
However, all forest or woodland
presents a bushfire risk.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Very hot fire and many embers. Fine fuels (the thickness
E mbers such as twigs, bark and of a pencil or less) that
debris arriving from far away. burn very quickly.
angerous levels of radiant
D Heavy fuels that will burn
heat and fire intensity. very hot for long periods
of time.
Trees falling in high winds.
A reduction in visibility due
Embers landing for a long time to very thick smoke.
after the fire has passed.
11C. Near coastal scrub
Burning scrub, heath or other coastal
vegetation can create hot, dangerous
bushfires. If you live by, work by or travel
to the coast you are at risk. Beaches,
foreshores and shallow waters may not
be safe or protect you from radiant heat
(see page 7). Often a fire will be burning
between you and the beach.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Very hot and fast-moving fires. A lot of embers.
usty ocean winds causing fire
G Fire reaching houses quickly.
to behave erratically. Busy, congested coastal roads.
12D. Where suburbs meet
the bush or grasslands
You do not have to live in the
bush to be at risk of bushfire.
Suburban homes can burn
down in bushfire, too.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Scrub, forest and grass high risk of ember attack
A
catching fire. if the house is near dense
A fire in a park or reserve bushland environments.
quickly spreading to timber E mbers falling close to or on
fences and gardens. your house starting a new fire.
Fire spreading from house Strong winds that bring
to house once houses start embers from far away.
to burn.
13STAY AWARE OF THE FIRE DANGER
RATING AND KNOW WHAT TO DO.
The Fire Danger Rating predicts how a fire would behave if
started, including how difficult it would be to put out.
The higher the rating, the more dangerous the conditions.
The rating is your trigger to act, so to stay safe you need
to stay aware of the Fire Danger Rating in your district.
During the fire season, the Fire Danger Rating will feature in
weather forecasts, be broadcast on radio and TV, and appear
in some newspapers.
It can also be found on the websites of CFA, Department of
Sustainability and Environment and Bureau of Meteorology,
by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on
1800 240 667 or via National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHAT SHOULD I DO?
These are the worst conditions for a bush Leaving high-risk bushfire areas the night before or
CODE RED or grassfire. early in the day is your safest option – do not wait
Homes are not designed or constructed and see.
to withstand fires in these conditions. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass.
The safest place to be is away from high- Know your trigger – make a decision about:
risk bushfire areas. – when you will leave
– where you will go
– how you will get there
– when you will return
– what you will do if you cannot leave.
EXTREME Expect extremely hot, dry and windy
conditions.
Consider staying with your property only if you are
prepared to the highest level. This means your home
If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be needs to be situated and constructed or modified to
uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast withstand a bushfire, you are well prepared and you can
moving. Spot fires will start, move quickly actively defend your home if a fire starts.
and come from many directions. If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving high-
Homes that are situated and constructed risk bushfire areas early in the day is your safest option.
or modified to withstand a bushfire, that Be aware of local conditions. Seek information by
are well prepared and actively defended, listening to ABC local radio, commercial and designated
may provide safety. community radio stations, or watch Sky News TV, visit
You must be physically and mentally cfa.vic.gov.au, call the Victorian Bushfire Information
prepared to defend in these conditions. Line on 1800 240 667 or via National Relay Service
on 1800 555 677.
SEVERE Expect hot, dry and possibly windy
conditions.
Well-prepared homes that are actively defended can
provide safety – check your Bushfire Survival Plan.
If a fire starts and takes hold, it may be If you are not prepared, leaving bushfire-prone areas
uncontrollable. early in the day is your safest option.
Well prepared homes that are actively Be aware of local conditions. Seek information by
defended can provide safety. listening to ABC local radio, commercial and designated
You must be physically and mentally community radio stations, or watch Sky News TV, visit
prepared to defend in these conditions. cfa.vic.gov.au, call the Victorian Bushfire Information
Line on 1800 240 667 or via National Relay Service
on 1800 555 677.
VERY HIGH If a fire starts, it can most likely be
controlled in these conditions.
Check your Bushfire Survival Plan.
Monitor conditions.
Be aware of how fires can start and Action may be needed.
HIGH minimise the risk.
Controlled burning off may occur in these
Leave if necessary.
conditions if it is safe – check to see if
LOW-MODERATE permits apply.
14 For more information: 1800 240 667 or 1800 555 677 (National Relay Service) or cfa.vic.gov.auSECTION 02
PREPARE FOR
BUSHFIRE
LEAVING EARLY IS THE SAFEST OPTION
NEED SOME HELP?
Visit cfa.vic.gov.au
Call the Victorian
Bushfire Information
Line on 1800 240 667 or
via National Relay Service
on 1800 555 677
15SECTION 02 PREPARE FOR BUSHFIRE
LEAVING EARLY IS THE SAFEST OPTION
Bushfires are extremely unpredictable.
In a bushfire, people may be confused, disoriented and physically
or psychologically stressed. In these conditions, making sound
decisions becomes very difficult.
Leaving early is the safest way to survive a bushfire. People die
trying to leave their homes at the last minute.
BEFORE THE Make sure your plan is flexible
to account for different
If you live in a high-risk bushfire
area, your home may not be
BUSHFIRE situations such as: defendable on Extreme or
SEASON weekends Severe fire risk days.
school holidays Most homes in high-risk
You need a Bushfire Survival Plan bushfire areas are not built
a work day
if you plan to leave. Use the to withstand bushfire.
Bushfire Survival Planning when you are away from home.
Defending your home is very
Template: Leaving Early tearout How will these situations affect risky – you could die or be
(at the back of this section) to help your ability to put your Bushfire seriously injured.
you prepare your plan. Survival Plan into action?
Defending a property
Decide now what you are going requires at least two able-
to do on fire risk days – it could
save your life.
LEAVING EARLY bodied, fit and determined
adults who are physically and
mentally prepared to work
In high-risk areas, leaving early long and hard in arduous and
SHARING YOUR BUSHFIRE is your safest option. This is
SURVIVAL PLAN difficult conditions.
particularly so on Code Red,
Extreme and Severe days. Fires Children, the elderly, people
Once you have prepared your with special needs or disability
Bushfire Survival Plan, it is a good on these days can be dangerous.
should be well away from
idea to share the details of your Even people who are extremely the threat.
plan with family, friends and well prepared can die fighting
neighbours. Doing so will save fires at home.
everyone a lot of distress when KNOW YOUR
there is a bushfire as they will know TRIGGER TO LEAVE
WHY YOU SHOULD
that you are prepared and know
LEAVE EARLY The safest option is to leave
where to find you.
high-risk bushfire areas the
Remember to update everyone If you live in a high-risk bushfire
night before or early on Code
about any changes to your agreed area, your home will not be
Red days. Do not wait and see.
plan of action. defendable on a Code Red day.
Code Red days are rare.
Code Red is the highest Fire When they are forecast they
YOUR IMPORTANT Danger Rating. These are the are very serious.
INFORMATION worst conditions for a bush
Know the Fire Danger Rating
or grassfire.
Keep your important items in your area. The Fire Danger
and information in a safe place Houses are not designed or Rating is your ‘trigger’ to act.
during the bushfire season. constructed to withstand fires The higher the rating, the
Scan important information in Code Red conditions. more dangerous the situation
and photos and store them On a Code Red day, leaving if a fire starts.
on a CD or memory stick. high-risk bushfire areas the For more information on Fire
night before or early in the Danger Ratings, see page 14.
morning is the safest option.
16WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU:
YOUR RELOCATION KIT
OVERNIGHT BAG WITH CHANGE
OF CLOTHES AND TOILETRIES ADEQUATE AMOUNT
OF WATER
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PASSPORT PHOTOS WOOL
WILL JEWELLERY BLANKETS
MEDICINES AND FIRST AID KIT
CONTACT INFORMATION
MOBILE PHONE AND CHARGER DOCTOR
COUNCIL
POWER COMPANY
WHAT TO DO WHERE CAN YOU PLAN HOW YOU
BEFORE YOU LEAVE GO ON HIGH-RISK WILL REACH YOUR
BUSHFIRE DAYS? DESTINATION
There are things you can do
around your property before Family or friends in a low ake preparations and it will be
M
you leave. These actions may fire risk area. easier to leave early.
minimise damage to your
A place of relative safety, such ou will need to know what
Y
home from bushfire. as a shopping complex or route to take and have an
Close all doors and windows. central business district of a alternative if that route is
Move doormats and outdoor large regional or urban centre. blocked or congested.
furniture away from the house.
Other community buildings, our normal route may take
Y
Block the downpipes and such as libraries in low-risk much longer than expected.
partially fill the gutters areas. I f you do not have your own
with water. Do not forget to call family, friends car you will need to think about
Move stock or large animals to and neighbours to let them know options, such as public transport
large paddocks with short grass. where you have relocated. Do you or a neighbour.
have all the phone numbers you are ractise packing the car so it
P
Turn off the gas supply. going to need listed in your mobile is quick and everything fits –
Leave the front gate open. phone? As an added safeguard, including your pets! It will take
write the numbers down elsewhere a lot longer than you think.
in case you lose your phone or do
not have it with you on the day. ake sure you have enough
M
petrol or fuel so you don’t need
to stop to fill up.
17WHAT YOU WILL DO Last resort options could include: KNOW WHEN IT IS SAFE
IF YOU CANNOT LEAVE
a Neighbourhood Safer Place TO RETURN HOME
(Place of Last Resort)
In recent fires, people who planned Check with police, fire authorities
to leave took longer to get ready
a stationary car in a cleared area and your local emergency services
than they had expected. This
a ploughed paddock or reserve before trying to go home. Even if
resulted in them being delayed and
a body of water (such as the the fire has been controlled, there
leaving when fire was upon them – beach, pool, dam or river). This may be other safety issues that
often with tragic consequences. does not include a water tank. you are unaware of that may affect
Fires are unpredictable and plans Dams may not be reliable as your ability to return home.
can fail. Having a backup plan their water levels fluctuate and These include:
can save your life if you are caught they may be empty in summer.
fallen trees
in a fire. Note that last resort options
disruptions to essential services
If you cannot leave the area carry a high risk of trauma,
potential crime scenes.
consider shelter options close by injury or death.
that may protect you. These may See page 38 for more information
include: on your survival options.
a well-prepared home (yours Bushfires do not arrive at
If, as a last resort, you leave when convenient times. Many
or a neighbour) that you can there are signs of fire in your area,
actively defend bushfires start late in the
exercise extreme caution. afternoon.
a private bunker (that meets Driving during a bushfire is a last
current regulations) What will you do if you have
resort. A drive that will normally visitors staying with you? Will
a designated community shelter take five minutes may take two any family members be away
or refuge. hours in the event of a fire. on business or holiday?
It may become difficult to Also make sure you revise your
leave owing to dangerous road Bushfire Survival Plan whenever
conditions. There may be road your circumstances change.
closures, smoke, fallen trees
and embers.
You may become trapped by fire and
exposed to dangerous radiant heat.
18DURING A FIRE THERE ARE THREE BUSHFIRE ALERT LEVELS
ALERT MESSAGES Advice
AND WARNINGS General information to keep you
up-to-date with developments.
During a bushfire, alert messages
are used to give you an indication
of the level of threat from a fire. Watch and Act
For alerts and warnings: A fire is approaching you.
visit cfa.vic.gov.au Conditions are changing and you
tune in to your emergency need to start taking action now to
broadcasters – ABC local protect your life and your family.
radio, commercial radio and
designated community radio Emergency Warning
stations
You are in immediate danger and
Sky News television need to take action immediately.
call the Victorian Bushfire You will be impacted by fire.
Information Line on
1800 240 667 or via National
Relay Service on 1800 555 677
via the CFA_Updates
Twitter account. Do not rely on an official warning
For some fires, you may hear the to leave. Bushfires can start CAUTION
Standard Emergency Warning quickly and threaten homes and If you receive a bushfire alert,
Signal (SEWS) before the alert lives within minutes. you must take it seriously.
message over your radio or Keep a map of your local area. You Failure to take action may
television. can look at the map to see where result in death or injury to you
An emergency alert telephone the fire is. or your family members.
warning may also be sent to your If you are travelling through Bushfire alerts are not always
mobile and landline phone based Victoria, you need to monitor given in the above order. As
on your billing address. This means conditions. Reconsider visiting an example, the first alert you
if you live in the city and you are high-risk bushfire areas on fire receive may be Watch and Act.
travelling in the country when risk days.
a bushfire happens you will not Look and listen for alerts issued
receive a telephone warning by for surrounding towns as your
mobile phone. suburb or town may not be
mentioned.
19EVACUATION EVACUATION
Evacuation is not a substitute Evacuation is the planned
for planning ahead or choosing relocation of people from a
to leave a high-risk bushfire dangerous area to a safer place.
area early – before fire In some fires the Incident
threatens. Controller may decide to issue a
In high-risk bushfire areas on Recommendation to Evacuate for:
Code Red days, it is always individuals
safer to leave the night before
or early in the morning. a house
If you live with children, elderly a street
or vulnerable people, they
a large institution (such
should be well away from any as a school or hospital)
threat. a suburb
Leaving early should be part of a town
your Bushfire Survival Plan.
a large area of the state.
A Recommendation to Evacuate
depends on a number of factors,
such as:
safety considerations
the location and type of fire
a ccess routes and the local
environment.
A Recommendation to Evacuate
may identify:
the location you need to travel to
travel information
t he length of time in which
it is safe to travel.
Sometimes it is not possible
for an Incident Controller to
issue a Recommendation to
Evacuate. You should not rely
on receiving one.
While CFA will do its best to
provide official warnings,
bushfires can threaten lives
and homes in minutes.
Just because you do not receive
a warning does not mean there
is not a threat.
The safest option is to leave early.
20BUSHFIRE HOME BUSHFIRE TOWNSHIP
EDUCATION ADVICE SERVICE PROTECTION PLANS
SERVICES AND A member of CFA will assess your Township Protection Plans are a key
property and provide a range of source of information for you and
RESOURCES options to assist you to develop your community.
Each summer CFA runs programs your Bushfire Survival Plan. They are important tools that
and services to help residents This service is free and offered all highlight the shared responsibility
prepare and plan for their safety. year round. Appointments take between your community, fire
A calendar of activities is advertised approximately one hour. Priority services and local government.
through pamphlets, local is given to people in high bushfire Plans have been developed for
newspapers, sign boards and risk areas. a number of high bushfire risk
cfa.vic.gov.au communities across Victoria.
These are delivered free of charge in BUSHFIRE PLANNING They provide important local
high-risk bushfire areas and include: WORKSHOPS information for you and your
family to assist with planning
These are designed for those who
FIREREADY VICTORIA before, during and after a fire.
have some understanding of their
MEETINGS Township Protection Plans are
bushfire risk but need more support
to develop their plans. updated regularly.
These are held on street corners,
in local halls and at shows and Structured as one-off, practical Please visit cfa.vic.gov.au to ensure
events from October until the end sessions, you and your family that you have the latest Township
of the fire season. can work on your Bushfire Survival Protection Plan for your town.
Meetings take about one hour Plan with the help of a trained Note: Some townships will not
and provide information on local CFA facilitator. have a Township Protection Plan.
risk and personal survival. You will
have an opportunity to discuss HOUSE BUSHFIRE SELF
local concerns. ASSESSMENT TOOL For more information about
(HBSAT)
CFA’s community education
COMMUNITY FIREGUARD This online resource is designed programs and services, contact
PROGRAM to help you assess the risk of your nearest regional office
vegetation and topography around or visit cfa.vic.gov.au.
Work together with your neighbours
to improve knowledge and bushfire your property.
safety skills. The tool takes into account factors
CFA provides local facilitators such as:
to assist in:
vegetation
understanding your bushfire risk
topography
enabling you to develop your
the surrounding landscape for a
Bushfire Survival Plan. 100-metre zone around houses.
Community Fireguard operates in
extremely high-risk bushfire areas.
Check to see if it is available in
your area.
21STILL WITHOUT A PLAN?
Research shows 75 per cent of people living in high-risk
areas do not have a detailed Bushfire Survival Plan.
Don’t have a plan? You are not alone. Advice and support
are available.
You can:
attend a CFA FireReady Victoria Meeting
or Bushfire Planning Workshop
join a Community Fireguard group
book a free property assessment to assess your fire risk
visit cfa.vic.gov.au
call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
or via National Relay Service on 1800 555 677
talk to your local CFA brigade about how to plan for bushfire.
22SECTION 03
YOUR
PROPERTY
HOW PREPARED IS IT?
NEED SOME HELP?
Visit cfa.vic.gov.au
Call the Victorian
Bushfire Information
Line on 1800 240 667 or
via National Relay Service
on 1800 555 677
23SECTION 03
YOUR PROPERTY
This section outlines what you must do as a minimum
to reduce the effects of bushfire on your property.
This involves:
understanding how fire behaves in your environment
knowing the steps to take to prepare your home and
property before the fire season.
You need to prepare your property for the best chance
of survival during a bushfire.
FIRE BEHAVIOUR VEGETATION (FUEL) B. HEAVY FUELS
Victoria has a great diversity There are two fuel types – fine and T hese are greater than the width
of vegetation, topography heavy. By removing fine fuels from of a pencil.
and weather. Environments your property you can reduce the T hey take longer to ignite but will
that are high-risk for fire are: amount of heavy fuels that burn. burn for longer.
where suburbs meet the bush
A. FINE FUELS ranches, trees and logs are
B
close to forest and woodlands examples of heavy fuels.
T hese are fuels that are the
close to grass or paddocks They create an extremely hot fire.
thickness of a pencil or less.
near coastal scrub.
They ignite quickly and
Knowing how a fire behaves in your burn easily, so they drive VEGETATION
environment will help you to better a fire’s speed. MANAGEMENT
prepare your property.
ranches, twigs and leaves and
B
Vegetation includes all the
Bushfires are influenced by: other fine fuels found on the
plants, foliage and mulch
vegetation (fuel) ground can also burn easily.
around your home.
topography T ypes of scrub and trees drop
By managing the vegetation
leaves and twigs on the ground
weather conditions. around your property you
around them. These give off far
can create space around your
more heat when they burn.
home. This will reduce bushfire
F ibrous and dry tree bark can intensity.
carry fire to the treetops,
This helps protect your house
break away and spread fire.
from direct flame contact
and reduces the radiant heat
to which your house will be
exposed.
While ember attack will still
occur, vegetation management
around your house is
important. You can reduce the
likelihood of embers starting
new fires near your house.
24TOPOGRAPHY TOPOGRAPHY
Fires burning uphill Fires burning downhill
A fire will burn faster uphill. This is As a fire travels downhill it reduces
because the flames can reach more in speed and intensity. The flames
unburnt fuel in front of the fire. reach less fuel and less radiant
As a general rule, for every 10˚ heat pre-heats the fuel in front
slope, the fire will double its speed of the fire.
as it travels uphill. For every 10˚ of downhill slope, the
For example, if a fire is travelling at fire will halve its speed. Fires tend
five kilometres an hour along flat to move more slowly as the slope
ground and it hits a 10˚ slope it will decreases.
double in speed to 10 kilometres an
hour up that hill.
By increasing in speed the fire
also increases in intensity,
becoming even hotter.
WEATHER CONDITIONS likelihood of spotting. Burning
pieces of leaves, twigs and bark
Bushfires can vary greatly according (embers) are carried ahead of
to weather conditions. They often the fire by winds, causing new
start on hot, dry and windy days. fires to ignite. These are known
as spot fires.
Temperature
A string of hot days will dry out Wind change
vegetation, making it easier to A change in wind direction is one of
burn. This can be made even worse the most dangerous influences on
by underlying dry conditions. The fire behaviour. Many people who die
drier the vegetation the easier it will in bushfires get caught during or
burn. A bushfire spreads as a result after the wind change.
of burning embers, radiant heat In Victoria, hot, dry winds
and direct flame contact. typically come from the north and
Wind speed northwest and are often followed
by a southwest wind change. In this
Wind has a significant influence situation the side of the fire can
on the: quickly become a much larger
speed at which a fire spreads fire front.
irection in which a fire travels
d A change in wind direction can
and the size of the fire front change the size of the fire front.
i ntensity of a fire, by providing This makes wind a very dangerous
more oxygen ingredient in a bushfire.
Fire spread
25HOW RADIANT HEAT AND
DIRECT FLAME CONTACT
IGNITE HOUSES
The heat that radiates from a
bushfire is very intense. Radiant
heat can ignite exposed surfaces
without direct flame contact.
Radiant heat can also crack or
break windows, allowing embers to
enter a building. Plastics such as
wall cladding can distort or melt,
exposing timber framing. Radiant
heat is extremely dangerous to
people if they are unprotected by
a building, shelter or barrier.
The distance between vegetation
and the house will determine how
much direct flame contact and/or
radiant heat the house is subject to.
If the distance from the fire is
doubled, the radiant heat load on
the building can be reduced by CAN YOUR You need to consider the materials
that your house is made with and
four times. PROPERTY its design. By making modifications
The chance of direct flame contacting
a house is increased when vegetation
REALLY you can improve the likelihood that
your house will survive bushfire.
close to a house is ignited. WITHSTAND
Information on construction
You can greatly reduce radiant A BUSHFIRE? and renovation can be found in
heat and direct flame contact by Everyone in Victoria who lives A Guide to Retrofit Your Home for
carefully managing the vegetation near dense forest, bush, grassland Better Protection from a Bushfire.
around your home. or the coast needs to prepare their This publication is available
property for bushfire. Even if your at cfa.vic.gov.au
plan is to leave early on fire risk
days, you need to prepare your
property.
A well-prepared house where the
vegetation is well managed has
a greater chance of not catching
alight in a bushfire. Regardless of
property preparation, most homes
will not be able to withstand fires
in Code Red conditions.
26“Even with enough managed vegetation, the safest
option is to leave high-risk bushfires areas early
on Severe, Extreme and Code Red days.”
PREPARING You will have to consider:
CFA has a free Home Bushfire
YOUR PROPERTY a how you will manage vegetation
(pages 30-32)
Advice Service to help you
understand:
You can reduce the impact of
b if your home is constructed or the level of risk at
bushfire on your home by preparing
modified to withstand a bushfire your property
your property.
(Houses are not designed to
These preparations must begin well what changes can be made
withstand Code Red conditions).
before the bushfire season. to improve your safety.
(page 33)
You should prepare your property For more information visit
c whether it is possible to improve
even if your plan is to leave early cfa.vic.gov.au,
the safety of your house with
on days of fire risk. call 1800 240 667
modifications and maintenance
or 1800 555 677(NRS).
This will give your house a greater (pages 34-35).
chance of getting through The illustration on pages 28–29
undamaged. shows an example of a
well-prepared property with
managed vegetation.
27THE WELL-PREPARED PROPERTY
Mature trees can help
shield against radiant heat
and embers. They must be
strategically located and
well managed.
Keep grass cut to Keep woodpiles
less than 10cm. away from house.
Store flammable
Remove flammable liquids away
items from decks and from house.
verandahs, such as boxes,
furniture and doormats. Get rid of dry
grass, leaves,
twigs and
loose bark.
Prune lower branches of
shrubs to separate from
surface fuels underneath.
Keep gutters clear
Use pebbles or rocks of leaf litter.
in your garden Prune shrubs
(not flammable mulch). well away from
tree branches.
Do not have large
shrubs next to or
under windows. Cut back overhanging
branches – no branches
in 10m space.
28 29Use the layout of your property
A. MANAGING
VEGETATION Fire always follows a path where
fuel is located. It does not spread
Managing the vegetation on easily over low-fuel areas.
your property will reduce a Manage vegetation around your
bushfire’s intensity. home and on your property and
By having managed vegetation, use the following to help reduce
you will reduce the amount of fire intensity:
direct flame contact and radiant driveways
heat on your house.
pools
As a general rule you may need
to undertake more vegetation tennis courts
management if there is dense cultivated soil or gravelled areas
forest all around you. Keep in mind that mature trees mown lawns
For example: can sometimes help shield against
grazed paddocks
Keep grass short – no more radiant heat and embers and can
play a useful role in the protection dams and natural water features.
than 10 centimetres high.
of your home against bushfires.
Make space between plants
and trees. Managing the vegetation around
your home has four main purposes:
Keep fallen leaves no more
than two centimetres deep. 1. To give your house the best
possible chance of surviving the
passage of the fire front.
2. To reduce the chance of direct
flame contact and radiant heat
igniting your home.
3. To help you protect your home
from ember attack.
4. To provide some level of shelter
as a last resort if you and your
family get caught.
Whatever the type of vegetation
that surrounds your home, you
need to consider how it will burn
during a bushfire. In general:
homes located in a dense forest
are more likely to experience
high-intensity fires
homes located in more open
country may experience lower
intensity, but fast moving,
grassfires.
If you live in a rural environment,
also consider other property assets
such as sheds or fences that you
want to protect.
30Trees and bushfire Lawns and grass Mulching
A fire will only burn trees where Grass needs to be kept less than Mulch, such as wood chips or
there is sufficient surface and 10 centimetres high. Higher pea straw, is a fine fuel and can
elevated fuel to carry the fire into than that and fire can use ignite during ember attack. It is
the tree canopy. the grass as a ladder to other extremely dangerous if used within
The fire front is often carried by vegetation. a 10-metre radius of your home
undergrowth, such as shrubs You do not need to cut green especially under windows.
and tall grasses, but loose, flaky lawns any shorter than five Instead:
or ribbon bark can contribute to centimetres otherwise you risk Use non-flammable mulch
ember attack. causing the grass to dry out. alternatives, such as pebbles,
What is growing under your trees? Lawns between 5–10 sand or rocks.
Consider how easily fire might be centimetres shade the root zone Use weed matting cut to fit
able to spread from the ground into and retain moisture. around plants and secured with
the tree tops. rocks, pebbles or soil. It can be
Fine fuels that are continuous used to help retain soil moisture
from ground to treetop (known as in garden beds.
ladder fuels) can assist the spread If you must use flammable
of fire from the ground up into the (plant-based) mulch, apply
treetops. it immediately after the fire
You can reduce fuel ladders by: season. This will allow it to break
removing lower branches down over winter. Decomposed
of trees mulch still provides good
moisture retention during
runing shrubs so that their
p summer. It is less likely to ignite
tops are well away from the than more recently laid mulch.
lower branches of trees
If plant-based mulch is still
runing the lower branches
p dry at the beginning of the fire
of shrubs to separate the season, keep it wetted down or
foliage from the surface fuels Remove weeds
cover it with soil or sand during
underneath Weeds are commonly found in the fire season.
residential bushland areas and
r educing accumulated debris
contribute significantly to
such as loose flaky bark, dead
bushfire risk.
twigs, leaves or needles from
within the branches of plants. Give priority to removing and
controlling them. This will help
reduce potential fire fuel on
your property.
Your council can help you
identify weeds in your local area
and provide ideas on how to
remove them.
31Burning off and fire restrictions
Burning off dried fine fuels and
cutting back vegetation is one way
to prepare your property.
If you are planning to do a small
burn-off on your property, you
must do this well before the fire
restrictions come into force.
For more information visit
cfa.vic.gov.au or your local council.
Plant selection
When planning your garden and
property, consider the types of The ‘10/30 right’ The ‘10/50 right’
plants you use.
Under the ‘10/30 right’, no planning For land subject to a Bushfire
No plant is completely fire-resistant permit is required to reduce fuel, Management Overlay, the
as given the right conditions all including native vegetation, around 30-metre provisions are extended to
plants will burn. However, some are your home. 50 metres. Clearance over and above
more flammable than others. these two planning exemptions
However, as the right does not exist
To help you select plants that are requires a planning permit.
in all municipalities, you should
suitable for your local environment: check with your council – before
check with your local council removing any vegetation.
For further information on
visit the Department of The ‘10/30 right’ planning the 10/30 and 10/50 rights,
Sustainability and Environment exemptions give residents who please visit dse.vic.gov.au
at dse.vic.gov.au own their property in certain
areas the right to:
consult CFA’s forthcoming
fire-smart landscaping remove, destroy or lop any
publication at cfa.vic.gov.au vegetation within 10 metres
of a building used for
accommodation
remove, destroy or lop any
vegetation, except for trees
(i.e. ground fuel), within
30 metres of a building used
for accommodation
r emove, destroy or lop any
vegetation for a combined
maximum width of four metres
either side of boundary fences.
You need to have prior written
permission from the landowner for
clearance on their side of the fence.
32“As part of your preparation, check
that you have adequate home
and contents insurance.”
B. YOUR HOME’S Is your house constructed CURRENT STANDARD
STRUCTURE AND from bricks, timber, cladding FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING DESIGN or a mixture? OF HOUSES IN RESPONSE
Roughly sawn timber or badly TO BUSHFIRE RISK
To reduce the impact of embers
maintained brick work can catch
on your home there are some Following the 2009 bushfires the
embers. Ensure any external timber
important building improvements Victorian Government brought
cladding is regularly maintained
that are recommended. These forward the introduction of the
and all gaps are sealed. Seal or
measures will assist in ember- new Australian Standard AS3959-
repair any holes, cracks or damage
proofing your house, making it more 2009 – Design and Construction of
to flooring and walls. Cover all
difficult for embers to enter the Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas.
external vents with metal mesh
house or burn against the house. The standard requires houses in
(not aluminium) and keep clear
The number of improvements of debris to prevent embers from higher bushfire areas to be built
will depend on the type of house entering your home. to modified specifications.
you have. Research shows there The standard applies to all new
Are your window and door
are areas around your house that homes to be built in Victoria.
frames well sealed?
can contribute more to the overall
bushfire risk than others. These Place weather stripping around For more information about the
include decks, windows, doors and the inside of doors and windows construction of new homes or the
roof areas. to eliminate any gaps. modification of existing homes
please:
CFA and the Building Commission’s Do you have any skylights
A Guide to Retrofit Your Home for or evaporative coolers?
visit cfa.vic.gov.au or
Better Protection from a Bushfire buildingcommission.com.au
Make non-combustible fire screens
includes building and renovation to cover external skylights. Protect
contact your local council
ideas to better prepare your home. evaporative coolers with metal planning or building department
Anywhere embers can lodge or mesh screens. You will need to for further information.
enter your house can start a fire. check with your evaporative cooler
supplier to ensure the performance
Is your house above-ground
of the system is not compromised
on stumps or on a concrete
by installing the mesh.
slab? Do you have a timber
deck or veranda?
Protect underfloor spaces with
non-combustible sheeting or metal
mesh. This will prevent embers
from landing under the house and
starting small spot fires. Remove
any combustible materials stored
beneath the floor.
33“Greatly reduce the risk of embers
C. HOUSE MAINTENANCE entering your house. Seal all gaps
AND IMPROVEMENT around your house and roof, or
install fine fly wire mesh around
larger areas that cannot be sealed.”
ROOF
Gaps in the roof pose a high risk
for ember penetration.
Sarking (reflective
non-combustible sheeting)
Sarking is an effective treatment
to prevent embers from entering
through your roof. Unless
installed at construction stage
this can become very expensive.
Seal gaps by using
compressed mineral wool
insulation
This can be a cheap and effective
solution for existing homes.
Careful installation is required
to ensure all gaps are sealed.
Sealing gaps is an effective Bushfire sprinklers
defence against burning embers. Sprinklers may help protect your house
but have limitations. You need to ensure:
all openings on the roof are protected
for the duration of the ember attack.
Sarking or gap sealing can be more
effective.
that the sprinklers fully cover the
area of your house exposed to fire.
This includes roofs, doors, windows
and decks.
Important: Seek professional advice for
selecting and installing the appropriate
sprinkler system for your building.
34Shutters
Installing shutters over both the
window and frame will protect
windows from cracking from
WINDOWS flying embers.
Open and unscreened windows pose
Seal gaps around window
an extreme risk.
frames
Screened windows and sills This is an effective treatment
Installing wire mesh screens (not for existing metal window
aluminium) with 1.5-millimetre frames. The sealant should
holes over both the window and be a fire-retardant product.
frame can prevent embers touching
the glass or timber. This can also be Maintenance of window sills
an effective method for reflecting
Embers lodging on combustible
radiant heat.
window sills pose a high risk.
Maintain window sills so there
is no flaking paint.
Seal gaps around door frames
If the door is non-combustible
DOORS then sealing the gaps around
the door will prevent embers
Open and unscreened doors pose
from entering into your home.
an extreme risk. Embers lodging
on combustible door sills and gaps
around door frames pose a high risk. Non-combustible door sill
Replacing combustible door sills
Screened doors
with a non-combustible product
Installing metal screen doors over will reduce the chance of an
timber doors will reduce the chance ember igniting.
of an ember igniting the door.
Separation from the dwelling
to prevent fire spread
If the deck is built with
combustible material, non-
combustible material should be
DECKS
placed between the deck and
Embers lodging on decks pose the house. This will reduce the
a very high risk of ignition possibility of the fire spreading
between the deck and the house.
Non-combustible decking
materials Construct with gaps between
Non-combustible decking material decking materials
will not burn. Use concrete stumps, Leaving gaps between the
metal framing and fire-retardant- decking timbers will allow most
treated timber. embers to fall through. However,
there is still a possibility of
embers igniting at timber
junction points. Ensure there is
no fuel under the decking and
that you have access to put out
any spot fires underneath.
35Environmentally friendly ways
Reduce the fuels by methods
FIRE AND THE
ENVIRONMENT of managing your fire safety that avoid exposing the soil
Identify the environmental assets and encouraging weed growth.
that you would like to protect from Consider raking and slashing
Vegetation management
outside your property fire or fuel reduction. fuels.
Private landholders must always These may include:
Offset or compensate changes
obtain permission from their local
waterways to the natural environment.
council (or VicRoads for most main Replace removed vegetation
erosion-prone areas with vegetation of the same
roads) for any works on roadsides,
including fire management and
shrubs that provide screening type and quality elsewhere on
planting. or bird habitat your land.
Local residents do not need a
hollow trees that provide Seek appropriate advice on
permit to remove fallen wood from nesting sites managing your soil, vegetation and
roadside areas scheduled for burns
rare species waterways from your local council
within two weeks of a planned burn. or (DSE).
bushland that you have
Department of Sustainability regenerated. Using fire
and Environment (DSE) and Parks Using fire for ecological or fuel
Design your fire management
Victoria may undertake planned reduction purposes is a complex
using the following environmental
burns and build fuel breaks to and specialist tool.
management principles:
manage vegetation on public land.
Where practical, avoid You should seek advice from your
A fuel break is a strip of land local council, CFA Regional Office
damaging the environment.
where vegetation has been reduced or local DSE office.
Consider things you can do to
or removed.
help keep embers from entering
your buildings before you
consider vegetation removal.
36SECTION 04
PLAN FOR
SURVIVAL
NEED SOME HELP?
Visit cfa.vic.gov.au
Call the Victorian
Bushfire Information
Line on 1800 240 667 or
via National Relay Service
on 1800 555 677
37SECTION 04
PLAN FOR SURVIVAL
In high-risk areas, leaving early is your only safe option
on Code Red fire danger days.
Leaving early is also your best option on Extreme and Severe fire
danger days. Fires are unpredictable and plans can fail.
Having a backup plan can save your life if you are caught in a fire.
Know the Fire Danger Ratings at your location. The Fire Danger Rating
is your trigger to act. The higher the rating, the more dangerous the
situation if a fire starts. For more about Fire Danger Ratings, see page 14.
KNOW YOUR DON’T GET SAFETY IN THE CAR
SURVIVAL TRAPPED Cars are a very dangerous place
OPTIONS
For your safety, you need to be during a bushfire. They offer
to be active while sheltering. very little protection from radiant
Know if you need to move heat. If you get caught on the road,
SHELTER CLOSE BY this is a very dangerous situation.
to a safer position.
If you cannot leave the area it is
If you are not able to see To increase your protection from
critical to consider what shelter what is going on, you radiant heat:
options are close by. are placing yourself in a park behind a solid structure
Shelter options may include a: potentially life-threatening to block as much heat as you
situation. can. If this is not possible, then
well-prepared home (yours
pull over to the side of the road
or a neighbour) that you can
into a clear area, well away from
actively defend
debris that may ignite
private bunker (that meets NEIGHBOURHOOD
SAFER PLACE (PLACE wind up your car windows, close
current regulations)
OF LAST RESORT) the vents, put on your hazard
designated community shelter lights and headlights, leave
or refuge. Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) the engine running and air-
If sheltering in a building during are places of last resort when all conditioning on recirculate
a bushfire, make sure you have other plans have failed.
et down as low as possible
g
a point of exit in every room used They can provide some protection below window level
as a shelter. from direct flame and radiant heat
cover up with a wool blanket
Do not shelter in the bathroom during a fire.
until the fire front passes.
as it typically has: Neighbourhood Safer Places: If you have water, drink it
only one door out
may still be subject to get out of the car once the fire
a small window that is often ember attack has gone.
frosted.
are not relief centres
In a bushfire, it is critical to
do not guarantee safety
maintain visibility to know what is
have limited facilities
happening outside with the fire.
do not provide support or services
are not places to relocate to when
leaving early
are listed at cfa.vic.gov.au
are not in every town. You will
need to identify other shelter
options in your area.
38YOUR BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL:
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Leave Early
When the Fire Danger Rating is Code Red,
leaving early is always the safest option.
L eave early destinations could include homes
of families and friends who live outside the
risk area, a nearby town or other built-up area.
Always the safest option
Community Well Prepared
fire refuge
If leaving the high-risk area is no longer an
option, there may be options close to where you
are that could protect you. These include:
Well-prepared
neighbour’s home a well-prepared home (yours or a neighbour)
that you can actively defend
private bushfire shelter (bunker) that meets
current regulations
Well-prepared
Private home
bunker designated community fire refuge.
Your safety is not guaranteed
Last Resort
Neighbourhood River In situations where no other options are available
Safer Place
(Place of last resort) to you, taking shelter in one of the below may
protect from radiant heat:
Neighbourhood Safer Place (place of last resort)
Ploughed paddock stationary car in a clear area
and reserve
ploughed paddock or reserve
Dam
Stationary body of water* (such as the beach, swimming
cars
pool, dam or river).
Swimming
pool
High risk of trauma, injury or death.
These are last resort options and
do not guarantee your survival.
* This does not include a water tank. Dams may not be reliable as their water levels fluctuate
and they may be empty in summer.
39PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM RADIANT HEAT
Radiant heat is the biggest a wide-brimmed hat to protect
killer in a fire. your head.
The following clothing can offer a ‘P2’ type mask or cotton scarf/
some protection from radiant heat hankerchief for face protection
but it may not save your life. and to filter smoke.
Keep a set ready for each member e ye protection such as smoke
of the family: goggles to shield your eyes.
a long-sleeved, collared shirt You need to make sure all your skin
and pants made from cotton is covered. Cover up as soon as you
or some other natural fibre. are alerted to fire in your area. Read
sturdy boots and woollen socks. more about the destructive force of
radiant heat on pages 7 and 26.
tough leather garden gloves
– not rubber or synthetic.
STAY AND DEFEND
If you live in a high-risk bushfire area, your home will not
be defendable on a Code Red day.
Even people who are extremely well prepared can die fighting
fires at home. The best way to survive a bushfire is to be away
from the threat.
Most homes in high-risk bushfire areas are not built
to withstand bushfire.
Many homes close to or surrounded by heavily forested land are
extremely difficult to defend.
efending your home is very risky – you could be seriously injured
D
or die.
Survival must be your main priority.
Defending a house requires at least two able-bodied, fit and
determined adults who are physically and mentally prepared
to work long and hard in arduous and difficult conditions.
Only consider staying with your property on Extreme or Severe
days if you are fully prepared and can actively defend your home.
Visit cfa.vic.gov.au for more information and advice on Fire
Danger Ratings (also page 14).
Discuss your plan with all family members. Everyone should
be aware that staying to defend may involve trauma, injury
or possibly death.
Children, the elderly, people with special needs or a disability
should be well away from the threat.
If you are confident you are capable and prepared to actively defend
your property, use the Stay and Defend kit and planning template.
They are at the back of this section.
40LEAVING EARLY BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLANNING TEMPLATE
LEAVING EARLY
BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLANNING TEMPLATE
Your Bushfire Survival Plan
Use this guide to help you write your Bushfire Survival Plan.
It is important to have read the Prepare for Bushfire section of
the FireReady Kit first. You will need to consider your personal
circumstances and how they will affect your plan.
Not everyone thinks clearly in an emergency. A written and well-practised plan will help you
remember what needs to be done during a crisis. It also lists the preparations you will need
to do to help you become fire ready.
Your plan needs to outline:
Actions before the bushfire season
Actions during the bushfire season (the Fire Danger Period)
Actions leading up to Fire Risk Days
Your back-up plan.
What year is this plan for? Every year you will need to update your plan.
Who is this plan for?
In high-risk areas, leaving early is your only safe option on Code Red days. Do not wait and see.
Know your trigger to leave – make a decision about when you will leave, where you will go, how
you will get there, when you will return and what you will do if you cannot leave.
Only consider staying with your property on Extreme or Severe days if you are fully prepared
and can actively defend your home. Defending a house requires at least two able-bodied,
fit and determined adults who are physically and mentally prepared to work long and hard in
arduous and difficult conditions. If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving high-risk
bushfire areas early is your safest option.
Children, the elderly, or people with special needs should be well away from the threat.
The safest option is to leave early.
Attend a FireReady Victoria community meeting in your local area. Check cfa.vic.gov.au
or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on 1800 240 667 for meeting dates
and locations.
If you – or someone you care for – will need help to prepare and leave early when there is high
fire risk, get a Red Cross Bushfire: Preparing to leave early guide at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or
request a copy by phoning the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
2Fill out this Template
and keep it handy
ACTIONS BEFORE THE BUSHFIRE SEASON
Preparing your property – house maintenance
This includes things such as:
Tick
Clearing gutters of leaves and rubbish
Ensuring underfloor areas are enclosed or screened
Sealing gaps, vents and roof spaces to prevent embers entering your house
Storing fuels and chemicals away from your house
Storing LPG gas tanks appropriately. They should be vented away from your house
Moving woodpiles away from the house
Ensuring roofing is firmly fixed.
Who will do this?
What else will you do?
Preparing your property – vegetation management
This includes things such as:
Tick
Clearing fine fuels from around your home (fine fuels are those that are the same
thickness or less than a pencil, such as grass, bark and leaves)
Keeping grass areas well trimmed and watered. Grass should be no more than
10 centimetres high
Raking up and reducing leaf litter (dead leaves). Leaf litter must be no more than
one centimetre high
Removing or trimming shrubs. There should be no shrubs over one metre next to
or below windows
Trimming tree branches overhanging your house.
Who will do this?
What else will you do?
List your irreplaceable family keepsakes and valuables. Identify a safe location to store these
valuables. Where will you locate them? Consider moving these out of the area during summer.
3LEAVING EARLY
BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLANNING TEMPLATE
ACTIONS DURING THE BUSHFIRE SEASON (THE FIRE DANGER PERIOD)
List contact details of those who need to know about your plan.
Name Relationship Contact numbers
How will you monitor weather conditions and know the daily Fire Danger Rating (FDR)
in your area?
Be vigilant in monitoring the weather forecasts to identify predicted days of high fire risk. Take
note of the Fire Danger Rating forecasts for coming days, and whether a Total Fire Ban (TFB) has
been declared. A TFB is a day where certain activities that may cause fire are banned, as fires are
more likely to start. This needs to be taken into account with your planning.
Put together your Relocation Kit
This includes:
Tick
Protective clothing
Food and water
Wool blankets
Medications and toiletries
A change of clothes
A list of the contact numbers for your doctor, dentist, local hospital,
chemist, vet, municipal councils, gas, electricity and water providers
Important papers (e.g. passport, insurance policies, will)
A first-aid kit
Pet food, water and bedding if needed.
Where will you store your Relocation Kit? It must be stored in an easy-to-access location.
4You can also read
