“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
Emergency Alerts
Your first ‘alert’ could be to evacuate – don’t expect alerts to occur in order
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.
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.
In the case of fire: