Create a 20 meter circle of safety around your home - rake up leaves and twigs regularly (note where leaves gather, this is where embers will settle in a fire), slash high grass and weeds, trim branches overhanging your house, remove and store fuel supplies and chemicals away from the house, keep gutters clean. Ensure you comply with local firebreak requirements. Check condition of roof and repair any spaces where sparks can enter.  Cover in open eaves. Locate LP gas cylinders on the side of the house away from the likely direction of a bush fire. Have protective clothing on hand for all the family - long sleeved cotton shirt, long cotton trousers, good boots, hat, goggles, gloves.

Checklist if Fire Approaches

Protect yourself - wear protective clothing (see above). Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Wet down the house, block down pipes and fill gutters. Turn off airconditioners (but leave the water running). Bring outdoor furniture inside. Bring in hoses and hose fittings so they wont be destroyed when a fire approaches. Keep a supply of wet towels and rags to keep yourself cool and for placing at the bottom of doors to stop smoke from entering.  Fill bath, sinks and buckets with water in case the water supply is cut.

Decide before a fire threatens

Stay and Defend or Go Early

Source:  FESA 'Bushfire Stay or Go Kit'