NSW: Rural Fire Service - Bush Fire Survival Plan

Bush fire - Prepare, Act, Survive

The NSW 2009/10 bushfire season has started.

The Bureau of Meteorology is indicating that for most of NSW, there is a 75 per cent chance of above average temperatures and as high as 80 per cent on the southern border. For this reason, people should be taking the time now to prepare not only their homes, but also themselves, to give themselves the best chance of surviving a fire.

Fire Danger Ratings
The Fire Danger Rating is an early indicator of the potential danger, should a bush fire start.

When a Fire Danger Rating is advised, you need to take it seriously and be prepared to act.

A new Fire Danger Rating system has been introduced, with a new top level category - Catastrophic (Code Red). The Catastrophic (Code Red) level indicates that if there is a forecast of Catastrophic conditions, there is a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property.

More information on Fire Danger Ratings
Bush fire alert messages
New bush fire alert messages will be used to help people make safe and informed decisions in the event of a fire. The new bush fire alert messages will be ranked on a sliding scale depending on the threat.

More information on Bush fire alert messages
Total Fire Bans and Fire Permits
In order to limit the number of fires that escape and threaten life, property and the environment, especially on days when it is very hot, dry and windy, the NSW Rural Fire Service can restrict the use of fire through Fire Permits and Total Fire Bans.

More information on Total Fire Bans and Fire Permits
Bush Fire Survival Plan
People who live in bush fire prone areas should be taking the time now to prepare not only their homes, but also themselves, to give themselves the best chance of surviving a fire.

To assist people in their preparations, the NSW Rural Fire Service encourages you to assess your home's bush fire risk using their online assessment tool and prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan.

More information on NSW Rural Fire Service's Bush fire household assessment tool and Bush fire survival plan

Source: http://emergency.nsw.gov.au/content.php/819.html