Bushfire Preparedness Guide
Practical steps to prepare before a bushfire, respond safely during an emergency and recover afterwards.
PrepMates preparedness resource
Printable Bushfire Guide
Save it, print it or keep a copy with your emergency supplies.
View Printable GuideA little preparation can make a big difference.
Bushfires can move quickly and affect areas through fire, smoke, embers and road closures. Preparing ahead helps your household make decisions earlier and keep important supplies ready to go.
Current instructions from fire, police and emergency authorities should always take priority over general preparedness guidance.
Get ready before fire threatens.
Know your risk, make a simple plan and prepare the essentials your household may need if you have to leave.
Know your risk.
Learn how fire warnings are communicated in your area, where to get reliable updates and which local routes may be affected during an emergency.
Make a household plan.
Decide where you will go, how you will get there and when you will act.
- Choose a safer destination
- Plan a backup route
- Include pets and animals
- Consider medications and mobility needs
Prepare your property.
- Keep grass and gardens maintained
- Remove dry leaves and debris
- Clear gutters where appropriate
- Move combustible materials away from buildings
- Keep access routes clear
Keep essentials ready.
- Drinking water
- First aid and medications
- Emergency radio and lighting
- Backup phone power
- Protective equipment
- Important documents
- Personal and pet supplies
Choose the right setup.
Start with a grab-and-go kit or add bushfire-specific supplies to an emergency kit you already own.
Evacuation ready.
Backpack-based kits designed to keep key supplies together when you need to leave quickly.
2-Person Bushfire Emergency Kit
A grab-and-go kit combining core emergency supplies with additional bushfire-specific equipment for two people.
View Bushfire Kit →
Buddy Emergency Kit
A two-person emergency backpack that can be paired with the Bushfire Add-On for additional bushfire-specific supplies.
View Buddy Kit →
Crew Emergency Kit
A four-person emergency backpack that can be upgraded with the Bushfire Add-On for bushfire preparedness.
View Crew Kit →
Add bushfire-specific supplies.
The Bushfire Emergency Add-On is designed for two people and can be added to a Buddy, Crew or other existing emergency kit.
View Bushfire Add-OnNeed individual bushfire essentials?
Browse fire blankets, emergency radios, backup power, respiratory protection and other useful preparedness supplies.
Stay informed and follow your plan.
Monitor warnings.
Use official local fire and emergency alerts for current conditions, evacuation advice and road information.
Leave when required.
Follow your household plan and any evacuation instructions. Don't delay departure to collect non-essential belongings.
Take the essentials.
Take your emergency kit, medications, drinking water, important documents and pets where safe and practical. Confirm your route is open and avoid closed roads or active fire areas.
Return carefully and watch for hazards.
Wait until it is safe.
Follow official advice before returning to affected areas and respect road closures or exclusion zones.
Check for hazards.
Watch for fallen power lines, unstable structures, damaged trees, hot ground, smouldering material and debris.
Document and recover.
Photograph damage where safe, contact your insurer and follow local advice about drinking water, food safety and recovery support.
Bushfire checklist.
Before
- Know your local risk
- Make a household plan
- Choose a safer destination
- Plan a backup route
- Prepare emergency supplies
- Include medications and documents
- Plan for pets
- Prepare the property
During
- Monitor official warnings
- Follow emergency instructions
- Act according to your plan
- Take your emergency kit
- Take medications and water
- Confirm your route is safe
- Avoid closed roads
After
- Wait for official advice
- Watch for power lines and debris
- Avoid unstable structures
- Document damage
- Contact your insurer
- Check food and water safety
- Access recovery support if needed
Take the guide with you.
Save the visual Bushfire Guide to your phone, print a copy or keep one with your emergency supplies.
View Printable GuideFollow advice for your location.
Warning systems vary by region. Always use official local sources for current fire conditions and evacuation information.
Australia
Follow your state or territory fire and emergency service, police and local emergency warnings.
New Zealand
Follow Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Civil Defence and local emergency authorities.
Be prepared. Stay informed.
PrepMates provides general preparedness information. Always follow current instructions from fire, police, emergency management, health and other relevant authorities for your location.