How to Prepare for a Bushfire: The Calm, Practical Guide for Australians
A modern, step-by-step guide for every Australian—families, renters, businesses, firefighters, and community leaders. Feel confident, take action, and prepare your home, property, and team for bushfire season.
Picture a hot summer afternoon—gum leaves crackling underfoot, the air dry and still. Whether you’re at home, out with the family, or gearing up with your crew for a shift, bushfires are part of the Australian landscape. But being prepared isn’t about living in fear. It’s about knowing what to do, when to do it, and having calm confidence that you—and your team—can keep each other safe. In this guide, you’ll find practical steps, stories from both households and the fireground, and gentle support to help you prepare, respond, and recover. Whether you’re a renter in the city, a family in the bush, or a seasoned firefighter, this guide is for you.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, consider adding a Diesel Firefighting Pump to your property’s emergency plan. Having reliable equipment on hand can make a real difference in an emergency.
Preparing Before Bushfire Season
Preparation is your strongest line of defence. A bushfire can start suddenly, but good habits and a few weekend jobs now can save lives and homes later. Let’s break down what everyone—regardless of where you live—can do to prepare.
1. Know Your Local Risk
First, get familiar with your local bushfire risk. Are you in a high-risk area? Check your address on your state’s fire authority website or Am I At Risk (CFA Victoria). Ask your local brigade or council if you’re unsure. Even urban edges can be vulnerable, so don’t assume it’s a “bush-only” problem.
2. Make a Family or Household Bushfire Plan
Decide together when you’ll leave, what you’ll take, and where you’ll go if fire threatens. Write down the plan, including pets, and keep it somewhere obvious—like the fridge. If you’re a renter, talk with your landlord or agent about safety steps (e.g., clearing gutters, safe exits). For shift-workers and crew, make sure your family knows what to do if you’re not home.
3. Prepare Your Home and Yard
Trim branches away from the house, clear leaves from gutters, keep grass short, and move flammable items away from decks and walls. Store firewood well away. If you’re in a unit or rental, work with your neighbours and strata—teamwork matters. For farms and rural homes, think about sheds, fences, and water supplies too.
4. Pack an Emergency Kit Early
Don’t leave this until a warning comes through. Your kit should include key documents, medications, spare clothes, phone chargers, masks, torches, and water. For those with pets or livestock, add their food and essentials too. Businesses should keep digital and physical backups of important records and have a staff contact list ready to go.
Common Mistakes in Preparation
- Leaving decisions until the last minute (“We’ll see what happens on the day”)
- Assuming the CFA or RFS will be there for every house—sometimes, they just can’t reach everyone
- Overlooking pets and animals in planning
- Thinking the plan in your head is “good enough”—write it down and talk it through
Responding When a Bushfire Threatens
When fire is in the area or you receive a warning, things can move fast. Here’s how to stay calm, informed, and ready to act—whether you’re at home, work, or on the road.
1. Stay Informed—Don’t Wait for a Knock at the Door
Monitor emergency apps like VicEmergency or Fires Near Me, keep the radio on, and stay alert to SMS or phone warnings. Don’t rely only on neighbours for updates—alerts can change quickly. For businesses, nominate one person to monitor updates and keep staff informed. Firefighters and wardens: Share updates with your crew and don’t assume everyone’s heard the latest.
2. Act Early—Don’t Hesitate
Leaving early is always safer than trying to escape at the last minute. Roads may be blocked, and smoke can be disorienting. If your plan is to leave, do so well before fire arrives in your area. For those staying to defend, get dressed in protective clothing—long sleeves, pants, sturdy boots, and a mask. Don’t wear synthetics. Fire crews know: the earlier you move, the safer everyone is.
3. Check Your Emergency Kit and Property—One Last Time
Grab your kit, fill water containers, and move vehicles to a safe spot (away from trees, facing out). Shut all windows and doors, block gaps with wet towels, and move outdoor furniture inside if possible. If you’re part of a brigade, double-check your gear, radios, and water supplies before deployment. Make sure your team has eaten and hydrated.
Special Advice for Renters, the Elderly, and People with Disabilities
If you don’t drive, arrange transport with friends, family, or community groups in advance. Don’t wait for a fire to start to ask for help. Services like Red Cross and local councils can assist—store their numbers in your phone and keep a written list in your kit.
Common response mistakes:
- Waiting to see flames before acting
- Not charging phones or radios
- Trying to “wing it” under stress
- Wearing shorts or synthetic clothes to defend
Recovering After a Bushfire
The aftermath of a fire is overwhelming—whether you’ve lost property, suffered damage, or simply had a close call. Recovery takes time. Be gentle with yourself, and reach out for help early. Communities recover together.
1. Safety First—Don’t Rush Back
Wait for official advice before returning. Fire can leave hidden dangers: trees may fall, power lines may be down, and toxic ash can linger. Take photos for insurance before cleaning up, and wear a mask and gloves if sifting through debris.
2. Support for You and Your Family
Reach out to local councils, disaster relief, and charities. You’re not alone—there’s no shame in seeking support. The Australian Government Disaster Support line is a good place to start. Kids, elderly, and first responders may need extra care—don’t ignore mental health, either.
3. Learn and Adjust for Next Time
After a fire, review your plan with your family or crew. What worked? What didn’t? Update your kit and contacts. Firefighters: share lessons with the next crew and with your community. Every season brings new challenges—and new opportunities to be better prepared.
What to Pack in Your Bushfire Emergency Kit
A practical kit makes any emergency less stressful. Here’s what every household, business, and fire crew should include:
For Households & Families:
- Important documents (ID, insurance, bank details—copies & originals)
- Medications, prescriptions, and medical plans
- Water bottles & non-perishable snacks
- Spare clothes, sturdy shoes, hats, and masks
- Charged power bank & phone charger
- First aid kit and personal hygiene supplies
- Pet leads, carriers, food & vet info
- Cash (ATMs may be offline)
For Businesses & Teams:
- Staff contact list & emergency roles
- Digital and physical backup of vital records
- Hi-vis vests, hard hats, and gloves
- Evacuation plan & building maps
- Basic tools (torch, radio, batteries, fire extinguisher)
- Critical IT recovery instructions
For Firefighters & Crews:
- PPE: helmet, boots, gloves, goggles, mask
- Extra socks, shirt, and hydration pack
- Radio, torch, and spare batteries
- Notebook, pen, and crew contacts
- Energy snacks & electrolyte tablets
- First aid & burns kit
Bushfire Safety Tips for Every Situation
- Have more than one way out—know your exits at home, at work, and in the car.
- Plan for pets and animals—don’t leave them behind.
- Keep gutters and downpipes clear—flying embers can ignite the smallest mess.
- Share your plan with family, friends, and neighbours—teamwork saves lives.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers handy (including local brigade, SES, neighbours).
- Never rely on a garden hose if mains water could fail—consider a backup pump or tank.
Mistakes to Avoid and Little-Known Tips
- Don’t rely on memory in a crisis. Write down and rehearse your plan. Stress makes thinking harder.
- Smoke kills more than fire. Respiratory masks (P2/N95) can be life-savers.
- Embers travel for kilometres. Fires can start well ahead of the main front—always keep watch on high-risk days.
- Backup power fails too. Check generators and batteries yearly.
- Share lessons after each season. Fire crews and families learn the most from the “almost” disasters.
Support & Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I leave if a fire is coming?
Leave as soon as you know your area is under threat or a “Watch and Act” alert is issued. Roads can close or become dangerous quickly—early action saves lives.
What if I don’t have a car or can’t drive?
Arrange transport with neighbours, friends, or local services before fire season. Don’t wait for a warning—reach out early, and have a backup plan.
Should renters or apartment dwellers worry?
Yes—every home on the urban fringe or near grasslands is at risk. Work with your property manager or neighbours on safe exits and clearing up outside. Your safety is just as important as homeowners.
I’m a new firefighting volunteer—any advice?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or double-check your gear. Stay hydrated, listen to your crew leaders, and look out for each other—fatigue is a bigger risk than you think. Every shift is a learning experience.
Where can I find more bushfire planning resources?
Check your state’s fire authority (e.g. CFA Victoria, NSW RFS) for up-to-date guides and apps. FireRescue.com.au also has more articles—see our Chief Warden Emergency Checklist.
Your safety and wellbeing matter. Take a small step today—review your bushfire plan, check your kit, or talk with your family, team, or neighbours. Preparedness is a shared journey. Stay safe, support each other, and remember—every bit of planning makes a difference.
This article was created using practical emergency preparedness and firefighting advice and reviewed for clarity. It is intended as general public information for Australian households, communities, and emergency service teams.
