Bushfires in Australia are fast and unpredictable. The Black Summer of 2019-20 burned over 17 million hectares, destroying homes, farms, and businesses. Every year, lives and livelihoods are at risk. But being prepared can make all the difference.
In this guide, you’ll find expert-backed tips and government-approved strategies to help you reduce fire risks, protect your property, and stay safe in an emergency. You’ll learn how to prevent bushfires, create a survival plan, and know exactly when to evacuate.
Important Resources to Keep Handy
Bushfires can escalate quickly, so knowing where to access critical information is vital. Make sure you always have these resources within reach:
Fire Danger Ratings & Real-Time Alerts
Before fire season starts, and every day during high-risk periods, check these sources for fire danger updates:
- Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) – Understand daily fire risk levels and what actions to take.
- Fires Near Me – Stay updated on active fires and emergency warnings in your area.
- Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) – Monitor weather conditions that impact bushfire risks.
Pro Tip: Set up notifications on your phone for instant alerts from official sources.
Know Your Local High-Risk Areas
Some places have a higher chance of bushfires. Check your area using these official maps:
- Victoria: CFA Bushfire Risk Map
- New South Wales: NSW RFS Bushfire Prone Land
- South Australia: CFS Fire Danger Ratings
- Queensland: QFES Bushfire Planning
Pro Tip: Bookmark these websites so you can check them easily during fire season.
Emergency Contacts & Bushfire Resources
Keep these emergency numbers and resources easily accessible:
- 000 – Call for life-threatening emergencies.
- CFA Victoria: cfa.vic.gov.au
- NSW RFS: rfs.nsw.gov.au
- SA CFS: cfs.sa.gov.au
- QFES: fire.qld.gov.au
- BOM Weather Updates: bom.gov.au
Pro Tip: Write these contacts down and keep them somewhere easy to find, in case your phone runs out of battery.
Estimate Bushfire Risk in Your Location
Understanding your local bushfire risk is the first step in knowing how to prepare for bushfires effectively. Australia’s Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) system helps residents assess the likelihood of a fire starting and spreading in their area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Tip: Check FDR updates every morning during bushfire season, especially before making travel or work plans.
Preparing Your Home & Property for Bushfire
Bushfires can occur year-round in Australia, making preparation crucial. Fire agencies advise having a written bushfire survival plan, a ready emergency kit, and staying informed through your state’s fire authority website.
House & Building Protection
Most homes catch fire due to embers, not direct flames. Sealing your home and reducing flammable materials can lower the risk.
How to protect your home:
• Use fire-resistant materials like metal or tile roofs.
• Install ember-proof vents and seal gaps to prevent embers from entering.
• Clean gutters regularly to remove dry leaves and debris.
• Apply fire-resistant paint to slow fire spread.
• Use non-combustible fencing to reduce fire risk.
Pro Tip: Keep a 10-meter ember-proof zone around your home by clearing flammable materials.
Garden & Vegetation Management
A well-maintained garden can act as a firebreak. Keeping plants trimmed and reducing flammable materials lowers bushfire risk.
How to protect your garden:
- Choose fire-resistant plants and avoid highly flammable species.
- Use gravel pathways instead of wood chips near your home.
- Keep moisture-rich plants close to your house for added protection.
- Trim overhanging branches and clear dead vegetation regularly.
- Have a dedicated firefighting water supply, like a tank or dam.
Pro Tip: Maintain a clear zone around your home by removing dry leaves, dead plants, and other fire hazards.
Bushfire Safety Through the Seasons: Year-Round Strategies from Experts
Knowing how to prepare for a bushfire in Australia means being proactive throughout the year. Here’s what to do in each season to stay ready.
Winter
Winter is the best time to make long-term improvements to fireproof your home and property. With lower fire risks, this is the ideal season to upgrade materials, clear potential fire hazards, and review emergency plans.
What to Do in Winter:
- Inspect and repair ember-proofing – Check and seal gaps in walls, under doors, and around roofs to prevent embers from entering. Ensure vents and windows are covered with fine metal mesh.
- Upgrade fire-resistant materials – Replace old wooden fences, doors, or decking with fire-resistant alternatives like metal or treated timber.
- Clear fire hazards early – Remove fallen leaves, dead branches, and other dry materials around your home before they build up.
- Check roofing and gutters – Repair any loose tiles or gaps that embers could enter. Install ember guards in gutters to prevent leaf accumulation.
- Review and update your bushfire survival plan – Make sure all family members understand evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts.
- Secure your water supply – If you rely on rainwater tanks, ensure they are full and have a pump attached.
Spring
Spring is the time to step up fire preparation as temperatures rise. Clearing vegetation and testing equipment ensures you're ready for bushfire season.
What to Do in Spring:
- Trim trees and mow grass – Remove overgrown vegetation and clear flammable materials near your home and sheds.
- Check firefighting pumps and hoses – Test all equipment to ensure it's functional.
- Update your bushfire survival plan – Make sure evacuation routes and safe zones are known to all family members.
- Assess firebreaks – Ensure cleared areas around your property remain effective in slowing fire spread.
Summer
Summer is peak bushfire season, making vigilance and readiness critical. Monitor alerts daily and be prepared to act immediately.
What to Do in Summer:
- Monitor fire alerts daily – Use the Fires Near Me app and BOM for real-time updates.
- Keep evacuation routes clear – Ensure all family members know where to go if a fire threatens.
- Prepare emergency supplies – Have essentials like water, first aid kits, and protective clothing ready.
- Maintain water sources – Check that firefighting water tanks, hoses, and sprinklers are full and accessible.
Autumn
Autumn is the time to recover from fire season and start preparing for the next cycle. Property assessments and repairs are key.
What to Do in Autumn:
- Clear fallen leaves and branches – Remove flammable debris to reduce fire risks.
- Assess property damage – Repair fences, roofing, and any structures affected by summer fires.
- Service firefighting equipment – Replace any damaged hoses, pumps, or tools.
- Prepare for winter fireproofing – Identify areas needing ember-proofing or fire-resistant upgrades.
Power Outages and Electrical Safety During Bushfires
Bushfires pose a significant threat to lives and property in bushfire-prone areas. Power infrastructure can be affected, and it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with electricity during fire events.
How Bushfires Impact Power Supply
- Your power may be turned off during a bushfire. Many power supplies come from lines in bushfire-prone areas, and these can either be damaged in a fire or shut off as a precaution to prevent further fire outbreaks.
- Restoring power after a fire takes time. The extent of damage and accessibility of the affected areas will determine how quickly power is restored. Some people choose to install backup generators for this reason. If you do, notify SA Power Networks at 13 12 61 to ensure safe reconnection.
Electrical Safety Tips for Bushfire Preparedness
Electricity-related hazards increase during and after a bushfire, so taking preventative measures is crucial.
- Keep trees and shrubs away from powerlines – Overgrown branches can fall onto lines and start fires.
- Avoid planting trees near powerlines – Choose safe locations for planting to prevent accidental contact.
- Be cautious around damaged electrical infrastructure – If you see fallen powerlines or exposed electrical wires, stay clear and report it immediately to your state’s power authority.
- Plan for power loss in your bushfire survival plan – Assume that power will be unavailable on high-risk fire days and plan accordingly.
What to Do If You Need to Evacuate
If a bushfire forces you to evacuate, taking a few electrical safety precautions can help protect your home:
- Turn off the main power switches in your meter box before leaving to reduce the chance of electrical damage or sparking.
- Ensure mobile devices are fully charged in case of power outages.
- Keep a battery-powered radio handy to stay informed via ABC local radio and emergency broadcasts.
Power Outages and Solar Systems
For safety reasons, solar power systems automatically shut off when mains electricity is interrupted. If you need a backup system that provides emergency electricity when the grid is down, consult your solar retailer about available options.
Stay Informed About Power Outages
To stay updated on power outages, sign up for SMS alerts and check real-time status updates on the SA Power Networks Outages Map.
Be Proactive, Stay Safe
Understanding how to prepare for bushfires and taking action before fire season begins can save lives, homes, and livelihoods.
Get started today:
- Check your local fire danger ratings.
- Create a defendable space around your property.
- Invest in high-quality firefighting equipment.
- Have a clear evacuation plan ready.
For premium firefighting gear and expert advice, visit Jono & Johno to ensure you’re fully equipped for the bushfire season. They offer high-pressure fire pumps, hoses, and fittings to help protect your home and property in an emergency. Explore their firefighting equipment here.
