Why Every Household Needs a Bushfire Survival Plan

When a bushfire threatens, there is no time to think — only time to act. Having a written, practised survival plan means your family knows exactly what to do, where to go, and how to communicate, even if you're separated when a fire breaks out.

In Western Australia and across Australia more broadly, fire conditions can escalate rapidly. A plan that you make calmly today can make the difference between a safe evacuation and a dangerous last-minute decision.

Step 1: Know Your Risk

Before you can plan, you need to understand the fire risk specific to your property and area.

  • Check your Bushfire Attack Level (BAL): Your local council or a licensed assessor can help you determine your property's BAL rating, which reflects the potential radiant heat exposure from a bushfire.
  • Review local fire history: Understand which seasons are most dangerous in your region and what weather conditions drive fire risk (hot, dry, windy days).
  • Identify your nearest fire hazards: Bushland, grassland, or scrub near your property all increase risk.

Step 2: Make the Leave Early Decision

Emergency services consistently advise that leaving early is the safest option for most households. Deciding in advance to leave when a fire watch or warning is issued — rather than waiting to see what happens — dramatically reduces risk.

Discuss this as a family. Agree on the trigger point for leaving: Is it when a Watch and Act alert is issued? When smoke is visible? Having this decided in advance prevents hesitation.

Step 3: Plan Your Evacuation Routes

  1. Identify at least two routes out of your neighbourhood in different directions.
  2. Drive both routes so every adult in the household is familiar with them.
  3. Note any sections of road that may be prone to becoming blocked (single-lane bridges, narrow bush tracks).
  4. Identify your destination — a designated emergency evacuation centre, a friend or family member's home in a low-risk area, or a town well away from the fire zone.

Step 4: Prepare Your Emergency Kit

Pack a grab-and-go bag that can be taken in under two minutes. Include:

  • Important documents (copies of identification, insurance policies, prescriptions) in a waterproof folder
  • Medications and first aid supplies
  • Clothing, including sturdy boots and long-sleeved natural fibre clothing
  • Phone charger and battery bank
  • Water and non-perishable food for at least 72 hours
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Pet carriers and supplies for animals

Step 5: Establish a Communication Plan

Fires can separate families and knock out mobile networks. Plan ahead:

  • Designate an out-of-area contact person that all family members can check in with.
  • Agree on a meeting point if you cannot reach each other by phone.
  • Register with your local council's emergency notification system to receive alerts.
  • Download the Emergency WA app and know how to use it.

Step 6: Practice and Review

A plan only works if everyone knows it. Run through your plan with all household members at least once a year — ideally before fire season. Update it whenever your circumstances change: new family members, new pets, changed work schedules, or a house move.

Final Thoughts

Your bushfire survival plan doesn't need to be complex. It needs to be clear, agreed upon, and practised. Start today — fire season waits for no one.