Bushfire season can arrive quickly, and conditions can change fast. Having a clear plan gives your family the best chance of staying safe, whether you decide to leave early or stay and defend your property.

Here’s what to consider when creating your bushfire escape plan

1. Understand your risk

Start by knowing your level of risk. Use the ESA Fire Danger Ratings and your local council’s bushfire information to understand the threat in your area.

Consider your property’s location, access, vegetation and the history of bushfires in your area.

2. Leave early or stay and defend?

Every family and property is different. The safest option is often to leave early, before the fire arrives.

If you are well prepared, have a defendable space and the right equipment, you may choose to stay and defend. This decision should be based on the latest conditions and advice from your local fire authority.

3. Create your bushfire escape plan

Sit down with your family and map it out. Your plan should include:

✓ Your trigger to leave (e.g. a forecast, Fire Danger Rating or official advice)

✓ Primary and backup routes

✓ Where you will go (family or friends, accommodation, etc.)

✓ What you will take (see our previous blog on Travelling During Bushfire Season for a full checklist)

✓ Arrangements for children, pets and vulnerable family members

5. Be prepared with the right equipment

The right equipment can make a critical difference. If you’re planning to leave, a Supertherm Lite Personal Bushfire Blanket is a lightweight, easy-to-carry option for added protection. Just remember to have 1 blanket per person.

If you’re staying to defend, our Premium Bushfire Kit includes the Supertherm Lite plus additional high-quality items to help you prepare to protect your property.

Our Blankets are used and trusted by our Firefighting Heroes across the country. They exceed the specification for personal fire protection blankets set by the Australian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), while also passing the relevant tests to Australian Standards AS/NZS 4824 and AS/NZS 4967.

Remember a personal bushfire blanket should never be considered a replacement for avoiding dangerous areas, leaving early or following official emergency advice.