When will you leave?

“Leaving early means being away from high-risk areas before there are any signs of fire. It does NOT mean waiting for a warning or siren.” CFA: Your Guide to Survival

Every emergency plan should include a defined trigger for when to leave for a safer location. Often this will be according to the Fire Danger Rating (in the case of fire) or an Emergency Alert (in the case of other emergencies). Waiting to be told to leave, or waiting to discuss when to leave in an emergency can be dangerous. 

Fire danger ratings Tell you how dangerous a fire would be if it started. Are set in advance. Created by region. Relevant for FIRE only
Emergency Alerts Tell you a fire/incident has occurred. Are responsive to specific incidents. Location specific Relevant for all emergencies Your first ‘alert’ could be to evacuate – don’t expect alerts to occur in order

When will you leave?

It's important that all members of your household know what the trigger is to come together and to leave. Your plan should consider what you will do if all of members of your household are not together when your trigger is activated.

Your neighbours or others you care for should know what your trigger to leave is, and if possible know when you have left.

Some people will plan to stay and defend their property in the event of a bushfire. It is essential that you are well prepared to defend your property safely, as emergency services may not be able to assist. Defending your home requires at least two able-bodied, fit and determined adults who are physically and mentally prepared to work in arduous and difficult conditions.

The CFA have information about planning to stay and defend your property, including the relevant templates. It is recommended that seek advice from your local brigade before planning to defend your property. 

When it's too late to leave

Your plan should also include information for when it is too late to leave. Sometimes an emergency can start very close to our home, be very unexpected, or move in a way that is not anticipated. Roads access can be impacted quicker that anticipated.

• Assume there will be no power, water pumps, Wi-Fi etc.
• Protection matters: cotton/wool clothing, woollen blankets and leather boots
• Generators – do you have one? Do you need one? Do you know how to use it?
• Keep calm, this includes your pets and children - have a plan for how you will achieve this, a pre-planned and known game can be useful
• Visibility may be very low so it's important to stay together
• Ensure you have at least two exits points (one should be directly to outside)

In the case of fire:

• Follow CFA advice which includes:
  • Stay hydrated, drink water even if you don't feel thirsty
  • If the house catches fire, move through the house closing doors behind you
  • Move to burnt ground as soon as possible
  • Radiant heat kills, wear full length cotton/woolen clothing
  • Stay behind a solid object or barrier such as a brick wall