Being prepared for a bushfire not only includes clearing up around the place, but also being physically and emotionally able to protect your house once the fire has passed. You have a very good chance of surviving by remaining with your home.

• Do your family and friends know what you plan to do on the day?
• Safety of children, elderly, ill or handicapped members of the household, as well as pets and livestock.
• Whether or not your home can be safely defended. Is fuel reduction work properly maintained? Are water supplies sufficient?
• Is the structure sound, or are there many crevices where sparks can catch and ignite?
• Have flammable materials been removed from around the house – doormat, outdoor furniture, BBQ gas bottles, papers, hanging baskets, etc.?
• Do you have basic fire-fighting equipment – clothing, buckets, hoses, etc.? Is it readily accessible and in good working order?
• How will you keep up with news of the fire’s progress? Make sure you have a battery-powered radio.
• What will you do if children are at school? Some schools in bushfire areas have their own bushfire action plans where the children are kept in a safe area of the school until the fire danger has passed. Check with your school to see what their plans are.

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