In a Bushfire – Basic Principles

1. BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL - Strategies to Stay Safe In a Bushfire – Basic Principles • Radiant heat is the chief killer. Basic principles are to shelter from radiant heat & do not panic. • In a severe fire the air temperature near the ground remains relatively cool & although uncomfortable to breathe, there is enough oxygen in the air to survive. • Cover all exposed skin to protect yourself from radiant heat. • Wear clothing made from natural materials – wool or cotton. Synthetics can melt & stick to your skin. In a Bushfire - in a car • Do not drive through thick smoke • Stop car on bare ground/least undergrowth, off of a roadway • Wind up windows/ close air vents • Turn off the ignition • Turn on the lights • Shelter from radiant heat by lying on floor and covering yourself with a blanket • Stay in the car until main fire front passes • When you get out, cover all exposed skin, move away from the car & stay on bare/burnt ground In a Bushfire - in a house • Wear protective clothing • Close all doors & windows • Block gaps with wet towels/blankets • Fill sinks & have buckets nearby • Block pipes with rags & fill gutters with water • Shelter in the room furthest from approaching fire • After the fire passes check to see if any small fires have started • If the house is on fire, cover exposed skin & move onto burnt ground In a Bushfire – on foot • Do not panic. Run only when necessary • Do not run uphill/ away from the fire or through the fire front • Hide in a running stream or lake or choose an open space/clearing/track • Seek shelter from radiant heat behind a log or rock or a rut in the ground • Clear away flammable material • Cover all exposed skin; Best of all, bury yourself in earth • Lie flat, face down, on the ground