Think – before it happens

FIRES can flare up wherever there is grassland or bush – even on the fringes of our cities and suburbs.
For anyone living in a high bushfire risk area, on days of high fire danger the safest option is to leave early.
But for some people, it’s even more important to leave early, well before a fire starts – especially those who are frail, have a physical disability, or have trouble thinking clearly or acting quickly in stressful situations. But to leave home early on days of high fire danger needs careful planning and commitment, and this takes time. And some people could need help to make that decision.
So this summer, think about any family members, friends or neighbours with special needs in your community who could need your help to make their fire plan, and act on it. They’ll need longer to get organised, and might need practical assistance and help with transport to leave early.
They’ll also need to plan when to leave, what to do with any pets, what to take with them (such as medications), and where to go that’s comfortable and safe – using transport they can rely on.
To help with that planning, you can download a free copy of the Red Cross Bushfires – preparing to leave early plan from www.cfa.vic.gov.au /redcrossplan or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Remember, bushfire safety is a community responsibility for all us.
How you can help:
* Talk to family, friends or others in your community who might need help to leave early.
* Help them prepare their Red Cross ‘Bushfires – preparing to leave early plan, available free from www.cfa.vic.gov.au /redcrossplan or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
* Make sure their plan includes what they’ll do if you’re away and can’t help.
Remember: leaving early, well before a fire, is always the safest option. Making last-minute decisions can put lives at risk.