Personal Safety and Survival - Stay or Go

Bushfires are chaotic, noisy and frightening experiences. The survivability of a dwelling and its occupants is dependent upon the amount of preparation prior to the actual fire event. Preparation not only includes the maintenance of lawns and gardens but also the preparation of those who may be caught in a wild fire event. Only those who are capable of working quickly before, during and after the firefront has passed should stay behind to effect protection measures. If it is properly prepared your home can be a refuge from fire, and you can help defend it.

AS THE BUSHFIRE APPROACHES

a)Personal Protection.

Before you can confront an oncoming bushfire, it is important that you protect yourself from radiant heat.

This can be assisted by wearing:

1. cotton overalls or thicker long sleeved shirt and long pants of cotton or wool clothes which are loose fitting
2. a strong pair of shoes or boots with woollen or cotton socks
3. gloves, if your hands are not used to working with tools
4. goggles, if the smoke is thick
5. a "bandana" or large handkerchief to protect the airways from smoke and hot air;
6. a wide-brimmed hat or hard hat if one is available; but
7. leave your ears uncovered - they warn you of heat levels

NB: Do Not Wear Synthetics - Wear wool, cotton or denim.

b) Protection of Children, Elderly and Pets.

During the approach of a bushfire:

• keep children, elderly and pets inside the house;
• give them plenty of water to drink; and
• make sure you keep track of their movements.

c) Outside the Home

• close windows and doors and any shutters and fit any screens
• block the downpipes and fill them with water
• put doormats inside
• store all combustible furniture and awnings
• wet down wood piles and areas of garden mulch.

d) Inside the Home

• fill all sinks, baths and any buckets with water and put a filled bucket in the roof
• block any gaps under the doors with wet towels
• place a ladder to provide access to the roof area
• monitor the radio - keep a spare set of batteries
• turn off any gas.

e) The car

• park in a cleared area
• close all doors, windows and vents
• leave the keys in the ignition
• store woollen blankets inside.

WHEN THE BUSHFIRE IS CLOSE

• remain outside as long as possible patrolling the area for spot fires
• suppress any spot fires which start close to the house or in the guttering
• take refuge when the smoke starts to thicken
• take your hoses and fittings inside when you move inside
• activate any sprinkler system.

AS THE BUSHFIRE PASSES OVER

Remain calm and keep other occupants calm. Move to the side of the house away from the main firefront. Carry out regular inspections, particularly of windows to determine if the have shattered and embers have entered any rooms.

AFTER THE BUSHFIRE HAS PASSED

Before passing through a closed doorway, feel the door - if it is hot do not open it as there may be a fire on the other side - leave it closed to stop the fire spreading and exit via another route.

Check the house for fires - the roof, roof spaces and any underfloor areas. If the house is on fire move onto burnt out ground but keep clear of burning trees.

EVACUATION

The decision to evacuate or stay in the event of a major bushfire is one that should be considered well before a bushfire event.

Research shows that where people are in attendance and well prepared then dwellings are more likely to survive a bushfire.

Early evacuation is a serious consideration where:

• you are not confident that your house is prepared to withstand a bushfire;
• you are worried about your children or elderly members of the household;
• you suspect that you or members of the household will be unable to cope with the stress of staying;
• it is safe to leave and you have a clear idea
of where a safe refuge is to be found; and
• you know the destination to be safe.

Note: you must evacuate if directed to do so by the Police. Police undertake evacuations with the advice of fire authorities.

If you do decide or are directed to evacuate:

• DO IT EARLY
• close all doors and windows and consider leaving them unlocked - a firefighter may need access to your home
• know where you are going
• drive carefully.