Go Early
When bushfire threatens your community,
you might decide to Go Early if:
- You haven’t made the right preparations (your home isn’t defendable).
- You don’t have a plan.
- You aren’t physically fit (e.g. younger, older people, mobility impaired).
- You want to ensure the security of important personal items.
- You aren’t mentally prepared for the trauma of a bushfire.
- You have to care for some else.
- The fire is larger than you had anticipated.
Before the fire approaches:
Decide on where you can go to in an emergency. Remember, you may have to stay there for some time, even days in some cases. Have alternative arrangements in place in case your first option falls through. If you don’t have family/ friends nearby, be aware of local evacuation shelters.
Do not wait until the last minute. Leave early.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service advises that people should evacuate many hours before the fire is expected to arrive.
Research has shown that most people who die in a bushfire are caught in the open or attempting to flee in cars, because they left it too late.
Before you leave your property-
- Listen to ABC Radio.
- Be aware of the needs of pets and livestock.
- Bring outdoor furniture / door mats / other combustibles inside.
- Wet down decks / verandas / fine fuels / window sills.
- Shut doors & windows.
- Tape windows.
- Place wet towels in gaps, e.g. under doors.
- Take curtains down & push furniture away from windows
- Turn off any gas supplies.
What to take:
Have an evacuation kit prepared and take this with you.
This can include:
- Woollen blankets
- Container of water
- First aid kit
- Valuables (e.g. photos)
- Insurance documents
- Other documents
(banking / passports) - Change of clothes
- Medication / toiletries
- Pet food and supplies
- Listen to ABC radio for updates.
- Do not return until the all clear has been given.
After:
- Ensure all members of the family wear protective clothing when returning to your home.
- Beware of fallen power lines and falling branches.
- Ensure all fires are out around your property.
Last Reviewed June 2009
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