Bushfire Checklist

Are You Bushfire Ready? Prepare well in advance.

BEFORE - Before the bushfire season - Prepare Your Household

• Write a household emergency bushfire plan;
• Help relatives and neighbours with special needs to plan;
• Advise family and friends of plans;
• Get together an emergency kit;
• Write down emergency contact details; and
• Prepare your property.

On Days of High Fire Risk

• Check your household emergency plan;
• Refer to the Bushfire Information Booklet;
• Be aware of the conditions, including fire bans and alerts;
• Prepare firefighting equipment and clothing;
• Prepare your pets; and
• Prepare an alternative water supply.

DURING - As a Fire Approaches

• Listen to your local radio for information and Standard Emergency Warning Signals;
• If you have decided to evacuate, prepare your home and leave early;
• Close vents, windows and doors;
• Remove curtains;
• Block gaps from the inside with wet towels or draft stoppers;
• Turn off the gas supply;
• Move furniture clear of windows;
• Block gutters with rags or old tennis balls and fill with water; and
• Hose down external walls, garden, wooden fences and decks.

When the Bushfire Arrives

• Retreat inside from radiant heat, and move hoses inside;
• Inspect the house regularly for spot fires; and
• Drink plenty of water.

AFTER - after the fire front has passed

• Patrol for fire outbreaks inside and outside;
• Check inside the roof;
• Extinguish any fires in or around the house;
• Implement any required first aid;
• Listen to your radio for emergency updates; and
• Contact family, neighbours and friends.