The severe weather conditions on Thursday 6th December were a reminder that extreme fire weather occurs in this region every year. On average, we can expect around 5-8 days each year of extreme fire weather. That Thursday would be the sort of day that you would implement your bushfire action plan.

For those who have decided to “leave early”, it would possibly mean translocating to your chosen destination for the day until the weather had abated, taking your translocation kit and pets with you. Alternatively this might be going to a shopping precinct in nearby town, or to a friend’s place which is adequately prepared, or some other location that provides you with a safe refuge. You also need to be aware that you may be forced to “stay and defend” if you do not have early warning. 

For those who are going to “stay and defend”, you must be committed to staying, you cannot change your mind at the last minute. Some activities may be to put your doormats inside, clean the gutters, sweep leaves, water your garden around your house and test your fire fighting equipment in readiness. You may have shifted valuable stock into the safest paddocks the night before. Your survival kit is ready with protective clothing, hoses, buckets, ladder, torch spare batteries and radio.

All of the above tasks, plus others that suit your lifestyle and needs, can be detailed in your bushfire action plan. Your Bushfire Action Plan should guide your actions on bad fire danger days. Ideally you should make these decisions before a bushfire occurs, when you can think with a cool head.

Other things to consider in a bushfire action plan include:

* Determine who you are going to call and have their phone numbers ready
* What happens if you are away, or at work, or key family members are absent?
* How will you find out there is a fire?

“Failing to plan results in planning to fail”

The benefits of a Bushfire Action Plan include:

1. Provides purpose & motivation 
2. Provides specific direction
3. Keeps you focused on accomplishment
4. Your family and friends know of your intentions, and what you all need to do.

You can design your own plan. Templates are also available from your local council office, Rural Solutions SA office in Pt Lincoln, or can be downloaded from the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au), so you can be Bushfire Ready this summer.

AUTHOR: Di DeLaine, Senior Environmental Consultant, Rural Solutions SA

CONTACT: Di DeLaine, Pt Lincoln Rural Solutions SA Office, Telephone (08) 8688 3412, Email delaine.di@saugov.sa.gov.au