Bushfire Survival Plan & Evacuation Kit Guide

This guide walks you through creating a household bushfire survival plan and assembling an evacuation kit, so you and your family know exactly what to do and what to grab when fire threatens. You’ll end up with a clear written plan, a grab-and-go bag, and a practiced routine that reduces panic and improves your chances of staying safe.

What You’ll Need

Paper or a digital document for the plan
Pen or printer
Backpack or duffel bag (one per person)
Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical records)
Water bottles and non-perishable food
First aid kit
Flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio
Phone charger and power bank
Medications (at least 3 days’ supply)
Cash and spare keys
Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
Toiletries and sanitation items
Pet supplies if you have pets
Copies of your plan for each family member

Step-by-Step

Assess your risk. Check if your home is in a designated bushfire-prone area. Your local fire authority or council website can confirm this. The higher the risk, the more detailed your plan needs to be.
Decide your trigger to act. Choose a clear, observable trigger that means “leave now.” Examples: a Total Fire Ban declared, a fire starts within 10 km, or you receive a warning from emergency services. Write this trigger in your plan.
Choose your destination. Pick a safe location that is not in a bushfire risk area—a friend’s house, a relative’s place, or a public evacuation centre. Make sure it’s far enough away that you won’t be driving through fire zones.
Plan your routes. Map at least two routes to your destination. Mark them on a physical map and keep it in your car. Note that roads can be closed; your second route is your backup.
Decide what you’ll do with pets and livestock. If you have pets, plan to take them with you. For livestock, decide in advance whether you’ll leave gates open or arrange transport. Write this down.
Set up a communication plan. Choose an out-of-area contact person that everyone will text or call. Write down their number and keep it with you. Agree on a meeting point if you get separated.
Prepare your home (if time allows). List actions like moving flammable furniture away from windows, closing all windows and doors, turning off gas at the meter, and filling gutters with water. These are only if you have time and it is safe.
Assemble your evacuation kit. Use a sturdy backpack or bag. Start with the essentials: water (3 liters per person per day), non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, radio, phone charger, medications, cash, and copies of important documents. Add clothes, sturdy shoes, toiletries, and any pet supplies.
Store the kit in an accessible place. Keep it near the door or in the car boot. Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.
Write it all down. Put your plan in writing, including trigger, destination, routes, contact numbers, and home preparation steps. Print copies and give one to each family member.
Practice the plan. Do a dry run of packing the kit and driving your evacuation route. Time it. This helps you spot problems before a real emergency.
Review and update regularly. Check your kit every six months—replace expired food, medications, and check that clothing still fits. Update your plan after any major life change (new baby, new pet, new job location).

Common Mistakes

Waiting for an official warning. In a bushfire, you may not get a warning. If your trigger is met, leave immediately.
Leaving too late. Driving through smoke and embers is extremely dangerous. Leave early, not when you see flames.
Forgetting essential documents. Passports, insurance papers, and medical records are hard to replace. Keep copies in your kit.
Not accounting for pets. Pets can panic and hide. Have a carrier or leash ready and practice putting them in it.
Ignoring the “stay and defend” option. Only consider staying if your home is well-prepared, you are physically and mentally able, and you have water and firefighting equipment. Most people should leave early.
Not practicing. A plan that has never been rehearsed is easy to forget under stress.

Tips

Keep a pair of old shoes and a torch by your bed in case you need to leave at night.
Store your kit in a waterproof container or use dry bags inside the backpack.
Include a small notepad and pen for writing down important information during an emergency.
If you have young children, include a comfort item like a toy or blanket.
Keep your car’s fuel tank at least half full during fire season.
Save emergency numbers in your phone and also write them on paper.

Troubleshooting

What if a road is closed? Use your second route. If both are blocked, do not drive through smoke or flames. Turn around and find a safe open area—like a cleared paddock or a car park—and shelter in your car with the engine off, windows up, and air conditioning on recirculate.

What if you can’t get to your kit? If your kit is in the house and you can’t reach it, grab whatever you can: water, phone, keys, and a blanket. Your life is more important than belongings.

What if a family member is not at home? Stick to your communication plan. Call your out-of-area contact and leave a message. Do not go looking for them if it’s unsafe.

What if you have to shelter in place? If you are trapped, move to a room away from the fire front, close all doors and windows, and cover yourself with a wool blanket. Call emergency services if you have signal. Stay low to the ground where air is cooler.

What if the kit is missing items? Keep a checklist on the outside of the bag. After using any item, replace it immediately. Do a full inventory every six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I update my bushfire survival plan?
A: At least once a year, preferably before the fire season starts. Also update it after any major life change like moving, having a baby, or getting a new pet.

Q: Should I stay and defend my home?
A: Only if your home is specially built or retrofitted to withstand bushfires, you have an independent water supply, and you are physically fit and emotionally prepared. For most people, leaving early is safer.

Q: What should I do with my pets during a bushfire?
A: Take them with you if possible. Have a carrier or leash ready and practice using it. If you can’t take them, leave them inside the house with water and a note on the door for firefighters.

Q: How much water should I pack?
A: At least 3 liters per person per day, for at least three days. That’s 9 liters per person minimum. Add extra for pets.

Q: What documents should I keep in my evacuation kit?
A: Copies of your driver’s license, passport, insurance policies, medical prescriptions, and a list of emergency contacts. Keep them in a waterproof bag.

Q: What if I have no car?
A: Plan to leave earlier and arrange transport with neighbors or local emergency services. Identify a safe place you can walk to if needed, but walking through a bushfire is extremely dangerous—leave as early as possible.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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