We live on a block and try and clear up over winter – getting rid of vegetation and dead branches etc. And sometimes add in new pieces of equipment like hoses or plumb in more water points, or improve something else. I’ve an on-going project of scanning all important documents, photos etc. almost done now but winter is the time to be in front of computer doing that! Before fire season we’ll service the fire pump. and as the weather starts to happen you have to check batteries in the phone; pack your emergency evacuation kits (think shoes and clothes and sleeping bags etc.); and generally make sure you’re up to date with all communication channels (these seem to change, and new websites pop up or facebook groups etc. that are useful to join)

Just wondering if everyone on here is safe ?

We’re currently not in a bush rich area, but lived in the past at the edge of a reserve and had indeed an evacuation plan. It’s good to be prepared.

Decide whether your plan is to stay or go before the fire season. If it is to go make sure you have packed bags ready to go so you can make a safe and quick exit. If you plan on staying, best to prepare your property as much as possible. Remove fuel (leaf litter, overhanging branches on the house), have water tanks and hoses set up (with a back up plan if one water source fails), draw blinds and prepare wet towels. Planning is the key, as in the moment of decision our brains do funny things. Also take notes of emergency numbers and current burns from fire website and apps.

Get a fire ready app and keep up to date with the latest news and yes deffinantly have a plan in place that’s key

No, we have never had an evacuation plan, that’s so bad. We have had to leave our home due to a bushfire too. We just packed what we could and left. Our yard is pretty clear, but we are surrounded by bush. If a fire threatened, we would be long gone before it became dangerous

Everyone should indeed have a fire plan. Grab a cuppa and sit down and prepare one for sure.

This is a very real concern in our area. Everyone should have a fire plan. Ours includes what we will do with our animals

We are all across our plan – adults to children.

Clearing the yard and reducing and fire hazards and making sure the kids are well aware of what to do in case of a fire