By taking 20 minutes with your family to discuss what you’ll do during a fire, you could save their lives, as well as your home.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) recommends that everyone in your home has a conversation about exactly what they’ll do in a bush fire.

The RFS discussion guide which can be found online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au can help you with this.

Many households find that having a discussion over dinner works best as everybody is together and focused.

Where you live is one of the things that determines if both you and your home are at risk of bush fire, and what kind of fire you might experience.

The NSW RFS suggests you think about the area you live in:

Bush

If you live in an area that’s close to or surrounded by bush you’re at risk. Bush fires can be hot, intense and throw burning embers towards your home. 

Grasslands

If you live in an area where grasslands meet built up areas or homes, you’re at risk. Grass fires can start easily and spread quickly.

Coastal

If you live along the coast near scrub, you’re at risk. Fires in coastal scrub can be hot and move fast.

Paddocks

If you live on a farm or near paddocks, you are at risk. Fires can spread quickly over great distances.

On a hill

If you live at the top of a hill, you’re at risk. Fires travel uphill faster. For every 10 degrees of slope, the fire can double in speed.

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It’s your responsibility to prepare yourself, your home and your family.

There are four simple steps the NSW RFS recommends you takes to get ready for a bush fire: 

There are helpful guides on all four steps at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. The RFS website also has up to date information on fires in your region as well as a guide to fire ratings.