Bushfire Survival

Fire Danger Index LOW–MODERATE A fire with a ‘low to moderate’ rating can be easily controlled and pose little or no risk to life or property. During a fire with a ‘low to moderate’ rating, you should know where to get more information and monitor the situation for any changes. HIGH A fire with a ‘high’ danger rating is a fire that can be controlled where loss of life is unlikely and damage to property will be limited. During a fire with a ‘high’ danger rating, you should know where to get more information and monitor the situation for any changes. VERY HIGH A fire with a ‘very high’ danger rating is a fire that can be difficult to control with flames that may burn into the tree tops. During a fire of this type some homes and businesses may be damaged or destroyed. During a fire with a ‘very high’ danger rating, you should use your home as a place of safety only if it is well prepared and well constructed. SEVERE A fire with a ‘severe’ rating may be uncontrollable and move quickly, with flames that may be higher than roof tops. During a fire with a ‘severe’ rating, leaving is the safest option for your survival. Use your home as a place of safety only if it is well prepared and well constructed. EXTREME A fire with an ‘extreme’ rating may be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. The flames will be higher than roof tops. During an ‘extreme’ fire, well-prepared and well constructed homes may not be safe. Leaving is the only option for your survival. CATASTROPHIC Uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. The flames will be higher than roof tops. Many people may be injured and many homes and businesses may be destroyed. During a ‘catastrophic’ fire, well-prepared and constructed homes will not be safe. Leaving is the only option for your survival.

You have two choices… Leave? Or Stay?

If you leave… WHEN will you go? WHERE will you go? The earlier the better WHERE will you go? Do you have safe destination in mind? What about alternatives? HOW will you get there? What roads will you take? What if a road is blocked? Is it safe to drive in the car? What will you take with you? What are your most valued items?

If you stay… What will you do before the fire approaches? Get yourself, your family and your property ready What will you do when the fire approaches? Ember attacks. Wear Personal Protective Clothing What will you do after the fire has passed? Monitor your property and extinguish ‘spot fires’

If you decide to stay, you must be vigilant of the FIRE FRONT A fire front is the leading edge of a bushfire.

Survival Kit

What will you do? Your house is right here at Southport State High School. When you came into the driveway, the Fire Danger Index Sign, was pointing to SEVERE. In pairs, decide what you will do? Leave? Or stay? If you leave, what is your action plan and what will you take? If you stay, what is your action plan and what will you need?

The elements that cause bushfires: My Bushfire Glossary Bushfire: A fire burning out of control in a rural area. Grass Fires (Surface): bushfires that burn in grass , low shrubs and ground litter. Grass fires travel at high speed but are easy to control. Forest Fires (Crown): bushfires that are in the upper branches and leaves of trees. These fires occur when grass fires ignite the tops of trees via wind or embers. Forest fires spread faster if there strong, hot winds. Forest fires are also spread rapidly and are difficult to control. Embers: sparks and hot material that are blown by the wind. Embers may ignite spot fires or set fires to houses. Fire Front: the leading edge of a bushfire. Arson: the act of deliberately lighting a fire The elements that cause bushfires: Strong winds (oxygen) + High Temperatures (heat) + Dry Vegetation (fuel)