NSW Government NSW Rural Fire Service Fire and Rescue NSW

How fireproof is your plan?

Last summer’s bush fires destroyed 2,476 homes and claimed 26 lives.
The fires taught us many lessons about the importance of having a plan and being prepared.
Bush fire season is here and it’s important you take the time now to get ready. It can take as little as five minutes to make your plan. Discuss it with your family so you know what you’ll do in the event of a fire.
OUR CURRENT PLAN IS
One of the most important things to do before a bush fire is to decide what you will do if one should start.
OUR CURRENT PLAN IS
WHO ARE WE PUTTING AT RISK?
Will any children, dependants, elderly or sick members in your household leave early?
WHO ARE WE PUTTING AT RISK?
WILL WE COPE IN A BUSH FIRE SITUATION?
Are all members of your household mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to protect your home for hours, even days at a time? It will be hot, smoky and chaotic - you may not receive assistance from firefighters.
WILL WE COPE IN A BUSH FIRE SITUATION?
ARE WE ARE ABLE TO PREPARE OUR PROPERTY?
A well prepared property is vital to increasing its chances of survival during a bush fire.
ARE WE ARE ABLE TO PREPARE OUR PROPERTY?
WILL WE BE EQUIPPED?
Are you committed to acquiring the necessary firefighting equipment - including an Emergency Kit with protective clothing?
WILL WE BE EQUIPPED?
You answered 'No' or 'Unsure' to one or more of the questions, which means you must…
Leave Early,
Your Safest Choice.
You answered 'Yes' to all of the questions which means you can…
Decide to Stay.
Only if You're Well Prepared.
Leave Early!
Your safest choice.
Decide to stay!
Only if you’re well prepared.
DOES EVERYONE AGREE?
Have you discussed these decisions with everyone in your household?
DOES EVERYONE AGREE?
Wait!

It is important that you discuss your plan with all members of the household and agree to it.

The NSW RFS recommends that you discuss your current plan with your household to ensure it is still suitable for your circumstances.

WHEN WILL WE LEAVE?
We have decided what our sign will be to leave.
WHEN WILL WE LEAVE?
Important

Do not wait for an official warning to decide when it is time to leave.

Yes, we have decided what our sign will be to leave
WHERE WILL WE GO?
We have decided where we will go, how we will get there and who we will tell.
WHERE WILL WE GO?
Important

Be sure you identify more than one route to your safer location as bush fires can close roads at short notice.

Yes, we have decided where we will go, how we will get there and who we will tell
WHAT WILL WE TAKE?
We know what important things we will need to take with us in the event of a bush fire.
WHAT WILL WE TAKE?
Yes, we know what important things we will need to take with us in the event of a bush fire
Your Leave early plan
DO WE HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED?
Defending your home can be challenging and you will need the right equipment. Remember there is no guarantee firefighters will be there to help you.
DO WE HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED?
Note

Remember, while firefighters and emergency services will do everything they can to help you, there is no guarantee that there will be a fire truck available when you need it.

If you decide to stay with your property, it is your responsibility to be prepared.

DO WE KNOW WHEN TO START DEFENDING OUR HOME?
It could be as soon as you find out there is a fire near you. Do not wait for an official warning or for assistance from firefighters.
DO WE KNOW WHEN TO START DEFENDING OUR HOME?
Wait!

Under these circumstances, you should leave early:

  • If the fire danger rating is Catastrophic
  • There is an Extreme fire danger rating and your home is not specially designed or constructed for bush fires
  • Your property is not well maintained
  • You or the people in your home are not mentally and physically fit and ready

HAVE WE PREPARED OUR PROPERTY?
Defending your home can be physically and mentally demanding. It is important that your property is well prepared ahead of time for your safety.
HAVE WE PREPARED OUR PROPERTY?
Note

You must ensure your property remains well prepared throughout the entire bush fire season.

Your stay plan
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