Hold a Bushfire planning meeting with your household
Put the kettle on, and set a meeting, the best plans are made together!
To complete this week’s challenge, it will be important for you to sit down with your household and have a discussion about your plans for bushfire.
Refer to the ‘MY BUSHFIRE PLAN’ section of the TFS Bushfire Safety Guide, and/or the online version.
Work together with your household to answer the following questions:
What are your household’s triggers to leave early?
Triggers to leave during or before a bushfire will differ in each household.
Using the Australian Fire Danger Rating system, the TasALERT website and staying tuned to ABC radio are always good places to start.
What will you take?
Working out what to take during an emergency is always tricky.
That’s why we recommend you to build an emergency kit and create a list of additional items you will need.
Check out page 9 of the TFS Bushfire Safety Guide for further advice and look out for Challenge 4 in a couple of weeks!
Where will you go?
Leaving early is always the safest option.
Doing so will allow you to consider a safer location such as friends, family, or alternative accommodation in another town.
These are all great options so you can put the feet up, grab a cuppa and see the fire out.
Do you need additional considerations for vulnerable persons?
If you have anyone in your household that is considered vulnerable (at risk), you will need to ensure you take further consideration regarding their:
- Capability to act in an emergency
- Well being and understanding
- Environment and accessibility
- Resources and aids
Vulnerable persons should always talk with family, trusted friends and their carer when planning for bushfire. Click the button on the right to access our Bushfire-Ready Carers guide.
What role will each person play?
Don’t forget, responsibility during an emergency situation is always important. Within reason, no matter the age or ability of a person in your household, they can play a role.
The last thing you want is members of the household feeling lost or confused in the situation. If a person has a key role to play, they will be purposeful to the household’s success in leaving safely and early.
Use this time to discuss with each person what they believe they can be responsible for during an emergency.
It is important to remember that no matter whether you’re a part of a big or small household, or even if it is just yourself, it’s important to touch base with family, friends and your neighbours to ensure they know your bushfire plan. This will ensure you have help where you need it!