Bushfire Plan: A Complete Guide to Protect Your Home and Family
Each summer, thousands of Australian families face a terrifying question — what if the fire comes for us? A well-thought-out bushfire plan isn’t just a checklist. It’s a survival strategy. Whether you live near bushland or in semi-rural areas, being ready can save lives, homes, and memories.
This guide breaks down exactly what your bushfire protection plan should include, how you can prepare, respond, and stay safe when conditions turn dangerous.
What Your Bushfire Plan Should Include
A strong bushfire plan turns panic into action. It tells everyone what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe when smoke appears on the horizon.
1. Communication & Decision Triggers
Agree early on when you’ll leave. Waiting until you can “see flames” is often too late. Set clear triggers: extreme fire danger warnings, sirens, or visible smoke. Everyone must know who’s responsible for calls, messages, and emergency alerts.
2. Evacuation Routes & Safe Locations
Bushfires move unpredictably. Create two or three exit routes in case roads are blocked. Identify local refuges and clearings listed by your state’s fire service (RFS, QFD, or DFES). If you have kids, elderly relatives, or pets, factor in extra time and transport needs.
3. Property Preparation
Trim shrubs, clean gutters, clear leaf debris, and relocate outdoor furniture away from windows. Fit fine metal mesh on windows, doors, and vents to reduce ember entry. If you plan to defend, your bushfire safety plan should include clothing, masks, and adequate water supply.
4. Emergency Kits and Go Bags
Pack first aid supplies, medication, N95 masks, sturdy shoes, phone chargers, torches, water, pet items, and copies of essential documents. Keep go bags near your exit points and in your main vehicle. Download a Bushfire Survival plan PDF from your local fire authority for print copies — don’t rely on cloud access during blackouts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Bushfire Plan
Having the right intentions isn’t enough — planning must turn into action. Here’s a detailed walkthrough to design a bushfire action plan you can trust when panic hits.
Step 1: Determine Your Risk Level
Check your address on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) map from state authorities. BAL helps you understand your exposure to ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame. High-BAL areas should follow stricter defensive and evacuation timelines.
Step 2: Discuss with Your Household
Hold an honest family talk. Who will grab the pets? Who drives the main vehicle? Is there anyone elderly or disabled needing extra time to leave? Write down names and roles. Clarity prevents chaos later.
Step 3: Create a Contact Tree
Keep a printed list of numbers: local fire brigade, council, neighbours, and relatives. Mobile networks may fail, so use two-way radios if possible. Store a copy in each vehicle and emergency kit.
Step 4: Define Your Stay-or-Go Threshold
Australian fire authorities consistently recommend: Leaving early is the safest option.
But if you choose to stay and defend, ensure you have protective gear, water, and communication lines ready. The bushfire survival plan must include hydration, rest zones, and exit paths even for defenders.
Step 5: Backup Power & Water Systems
Most homes lose power before a fire even reaches the area. When the grid collapses, pumps stop, lights go out, and garage doors may not open.
In these situations, having a home backup generator can keep essential systems running—especially water pumps, radios, and lighting when visibility is poor.
If you prefer something quieter and fuel-free, a battery-based option can be a smart addition to your emergency kit. A device like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station keeps communication devices, lights, and essential electronics powered when conditions deteriorate.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Step 6: Print and Share Your Plan
Every family member should keep a copy. Place it near exits and in your vehicles. Add reminders to update it every season.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid (≈200 words)
A plan only works if it’s realistic. Many Australians overestimate their readiness — or underestimate how fast bushfires move.
Pro Tips
Prepare night-visibility gear: headlamps, reflective tape, high-vis clothing.
Keep your go-bag under 10 kg so you can carry it on foot.
Store key documents in waterproof pouches.
Back up digital copies of IDs and insurance in a cloud folder accessible from any device.
If possible, train with your local CFA or RFS community workshops for realistic drills.
Run an annual evacuation drill, even if it feels awkward
Small actions today make massive differences under pressure. The fewer decisions you must make in chaos, the safer you’ll be.
Common Mistakes
Waiting for official evacuation orders when conditions are already catastrophic.
Storing flammable tools or fuel near the house.
Forgetting to pack essential medication or pet food.
Assuming your car will start during heavy smoke — poor air filters can stop engines.
Neglecting power backup — once the grid is down, water pumps and communications fail instantly.
Keeping emergency kits incomplete or outdated.
What to Do When Fire Threat Hits (Execution Mode)
When alerts turn red and smoke fills the sky, you shift from planning to execution.
Before the Fire Arrives
Activate your bushfire emergency plan early. Don’t wait until roads are closed.
Close all doors and windows; block vents with wet towels.
Keep water running to maintain pressure in hoses and tanks.
Move vehicles to cleared areas facing the road for easy escape.
Disconnect gas cylinders and turn off mains electricity if advised.
During a Power Failure
During a power failure—common hours before a fire front arrives—you’ll need a reliable source of electricity to stay informed. A portable power station can keep radios, torches, and phones charged so you can continue receiving updates from emergency services. Maintaining communication during a crisis can determine whether you leave at the right moment.
If You Must Shelter in Place
Stay indoors, away from windows. Shut blinds, fill sinks and bathtubs with water, and keep wool blankets handy. Use masks or damp cloths to reduce smoke inhalation. Monitor external temperature and smoke levels. Only leave when the main fire front has passed and it’s safe to exit.
Remember, preparation buys you calm. A household that has practiced its routine — from shutting windows to powering backup systems — reacts faster and smarter.
Reviewing & Updating Your Bushfire Plan
A bushfire planning document isn’t something you write once and forget. Australian conditions shift quickly—vegetation grows back, roads change, household routines evolve, and fire seasons keep becoming more unpredictable. That’s why your plan deserves a proper review at least once a year, ideally in early spring.
Use this time to update your escape routes, refresh emergency kits, check medication expiry dates, and revisit each person’s responsibilities. Confirm that your printed contact sheets still match current phone numbers and community refuge locations.
It’s also wise to test your power backup setup before summer arrives. Families should prepare for power outage during bushfire season, because grid failures often occur long before flames are visible. Ensuring your batteries are topped up, cables are working, and equipment is easy to access can dramatically reduce stress when conditions deteriorate.
Regular updates keep your bushfire plan relevant, practical, and ready to execute the moment you need it.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Conclusion
A bushfire plan is much more than a printed sheet—it’s confidence under pressure. When smoke appears, when alerts intensify, when your heart rate spikes, a practiced plan is what cuts through panic. By investing time in preparation, backing up your home with reliable power options, and rehearsing your exit steps, you give your family control in moments that feel uncontrollable. Safety doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through planning, clarity, and habit.
FAQs
What is a fire plan template?
A fire plan template is a structured document provided by your state’s fire authority that helps you organise every detail of your bushfire emergency plan in a logical, step-by-step format. It usually includes sections for contact numbers, household responsibilities, evacuation routes, medical requirements, pet arrangements, and property preparation tasks. Templates are designed to reduce the risk of forgetting important details—especially during panic. Most are available as easily printable PDFs, allowing your family to keep copies in visible places like the fridge, car, and emergency kit so the plan is always accessible.
Who is responsible for creating a fire plan?
While the homeowner or main resident typically leads the planning process, an effective bushfire survival plan should involve everyone living in the home. Adults decide on evacuation triggers, routes, and responsibilities—but teenagers and older children also need to understand what to do if adults are not nearby. Every household member should participate in discussions and annual practice drills so the plan doesn’t depend on any single person. This shared responsibility ensures your family acts as a coordinated team when conditions escalate quickly and decisions must be made in seconds.
How to create a fire plan?
Creating a bushfire plan starts with assessing your property’s risk using your state’s BAL rating or local fire maps. Then define whether your household will leave early or defend the property, and write down exact triggers—like a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating or local smoke. Map multiple escape routes, prepare go bags, and assign roles so everyone knows what to grab and where to meet. Use a printed template from RFS, CFA, DFES, or QFES for structure. Finally, run a simulation each season so your plan isn’t just theoretical—it becomes muscle memory.
How often should I update my bushfire plan?
Review your bushfire plan at least once a year, ideally in early spring before the fire season starts. During the review, check your evacuation routes in case of road closures due to bushfire-prone areas, update emergency contact numbers including your local CFA, RFS, or QFES, confirm each household member’s roles and responsibilities, and make sure your emergency kits are fully stocked with essentials such as water, N95 masks, first aid supplies, and important documents. Regularly updating your plan ensures it remains practical, compliant with local recommendations, and ready to execute when bushfire conditions arise.