How to prepare for the bush fire season

Put simply, it's your responsibility to be ready for a bush fire.

The first step is to identify your risk. If your property is located in a bush fire prone area according to Council's map , or is identified in the Wyong Bush Fire Risk Management Plan, then your property is at risk.

Once you have identified that your property is at risk, you can use the NSW RFS Bush Fire Household Assessment Tool to identify your level of risk.

Next,  you need to have a Bush Fire Survival Plan. You can get a hard copy of this plan by visiting the Wyong Fire Control Centre, 105 Arizona Rd, Charmhaven, Ph: (02) 4394 3100.

Discuss this plan with your family, and decide together how you will prepare for a bush fire and what you will do in the event of an outbreak. Once you have decided, then write your plan down, and practice it regularly before the bush fire season.   See this additional information on bush fire precautions, including details of Neighbourhood Safer Places.

Leaving early

If you decide to leave early you will need to:

  • Prepare your Bush Fire Survival Plan
  • Prepare yourself and your family - make sure everyone knows your plan and what to do in a bush fire (who will go, where will you go, how will you get there, what route will you take, and what will you take with you)
  • Prepare your home - A well prepared home is more likely to survive a bush fire or ember attack and can make it easier for fire fighters to defend your home.
  • Have a contingency plan just in case  things don't go to plan e.g. what if your car doesn't start, the road is blocked or you don't have time to leave? You need to think about what you will do if things go wrong.

Staying and defending

If your decide to stay and defend your well prepared property you will need to:

  • Prepare your Bush Fire Survival Plan
  • Prepare yourself and your family - make sure everyone emotionally, mentally and physically prepared to stay and defend your home
  • Prepare your home - A well prepared home will make it easier to defend  and will give you more protection if you need to take shelter
  • Have a contingency plan just in case as things don't always go to plan e.g. what if your partner is at work, or you have elderly residents visiting? You need to have a back up plan to address anything that may alter your choice or ability to stay and defend.

Keep informed:

  • Know what the fire danger rating is in your area
  • Be aware of weather conditions, particularly on hot, dry and windy days
  • Watch for signs of fire, especially smoke
  • Look and listen for the Bush Fire Alerts using a variety of sources including TV, Radio, Internet, mobile phones and via friends, family and neighbours.