Leaving early in a bushfire requires planning and consideration.
You need to understand what the triggers are to leave and know what actions you should take before leaving.
Completing your 5 minute bushfire plan on the CFS website will help you work through some of the questions that follow and provide you with a plan you can practise before a fire strikes.
When will you leave?
Leaving early means leaving before your escape route becomes blocked.
Routes can become blocked due to fire and smoke, fallen trees and power lines or congested roads well before the fire arrives.
On high risk fire days, your safest option is to leave well before a fire starts - either very early in the morning or even the night before.
It is important to monitor the CFS website and listen to CFS Emergency Broadcast Partners to stay informed of incidents.
On days forecast as Extreme or Catastrophic it is not considered safe to wait until a fire starts before you leave.
Leaving in smoky conditions is leaving too late.
Do not drive towards or through smoke.
The majority of bushfire fatalities occur when people leave too late.
It is unsafe to drive or be on the road during a bushfire.
Where will you go?
On elevated fire danger days, your safest option is to visit friends, family or places within a Bushfire Safer Place.
More details and maps of Bushfire Safer Places in SA are available on the CFS website. Alternatively, you may wish to shelter in a well-prepared neighbour’s house.
Never wait until the last moment before deciding to leave.
Bushfire Safer Places
Bushfire Safer Place
- Adelaide Metropolitan area, outer suburbs and rural settlements. Use if you need to relocate early.
- Suitable for use during forecast bad fire weather or during bushfire. May be subject to sparks, embers and smoke.
Bushfire Last Resort Refuge
- Ovals, buildings in rural areas.
- Use only if your plan has failed.
- Not suitable for extended use and provides only limited protection during a bushfire.
How will you travel?
When leaving early, organise your travel well in advance.
Consider how long it will take to travel out of the area, remembering that trips which usually only take a couple of minutes may take much longer.
Identify a number of alternative routes in case your chosen route is blocked.
What will you take?
Take your pre-prepared Emergency Kit for your family and pets.
What if family members are separated?
Plan what you will do in a range of events where the family is separated, such as your children being at school or family members being at work.
Find out the school’s policy if a bushfire happens.
Don’t allow panic to drive anyone out in life-threatening conditions searching for missing family members or pets.
Ensure that all members of your family are familiar with your Bushfire Survival Plan and have options in case you are separated.
What if you are unable to leave?
A situation may arise during a bushfire where it becomes difficult or dangerous for you to leave.
Have a contingency plan in case you are unable to leave early.
Refer to Planning to stay and defend for information on what to plan for if you are unable to leave early.