Planning to Go Early
Courtesy of the Government of South Australia and the CFS Country Fire Service
www.cfs.sa.gov.au
If you decide to relocate then you must plan as carefully as you would to stay. Consider these points in your plan:
- When will you make your decision?
- Where will you go and when will you leave?
- How will you travel and what will you take?
- What if family members get separated?
- What will you do with your pets?
As with planning to stay contingency planning is encouraged in case you are unable to leave early.
When will you leave?:
It may be appropriate to go to your chosen refuge on any day that the bushfire danger is extremely high. If you decide to wait until a bushfire threatens, keep a regular lookout and monitor a radio or scanner. This will ensure you leave well in advance of the arrival of the fire front.
Never wait until the last moment.
Where will you go?:
Find out if there is a designated community refuge nearby. Determine whether it is a building or an open space such as a football field so that you can make preparations to stay there (if it is a football field, for example, you may need protection from the heat and water to drink etc). Alternatively you may wish to shelter with family or friends in a nearby town or even in your well-prepared neighbour´s house. Decide in advance where you will go, and ensure that it is a safe area.
What will you take?:
You should take your pre-prepared 'evacuation box´ for your family and pets.
How will you travel?:
Travel by car if possible and if travelling with a neighbour organise it well in advance. Plan the route to your refuge and determine alternative routes in case fire should block your chosen route.
Preparation should also include having adequate fuel, a woollen blanket, container of water, and a first aid kit in the vehicle in case you are caught in the passage of a fire. Asthmatics may need a special filter mask.
What if family members are separated?:
Plan what you will do in the event your children are at school or family are away at work. Find out the school policy if bushfire threatens (all schools should have a CFS approved bushfire action plan). Don´t allow panic to drive anyone out in life threatening conditions searching for missing family members or pets.
What if you are unable to leave?:
A situation may arise during a bushfire that makes it difficult or dangerous for you to leave, placing you in a situation where you have to stay. It is imperative therefore that you have a contingency plan to cater for such situations so you can seek refuge accordingly.
See Other Important Information:
Relocation Kit
Planning to Stay and Defend
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