Fire Safety Planning

A Fire Safety Plan gives you a structured way to assess your property, identify risks, and put action steps in place before fire season arrives. Use this as a starting point — adapt it to your specific situation.

1. Assessment of the Property

Evaluate your property for potential fire hazards. This includes understanding:

• Local vegetation types and how they burn
• Prevailing wind patterns and directions
• Structural vulnerabilities (timber cladding, gaps under structures, wooden decks)
• Proximity to bush, grassland, or neighbouring properties

2. Clearing and Maintenance

• Regularly clear the property of dry leaves, debris, and other flammable materials
• Maintain a buffer zone (asset protection zone) around all structures
• Keep grass mown and dry vegetation managed throughout fire season
• Clear gutters before and during fire season

3. Access and Water Supply

• Ensure clear access for emergency vehicles — check gate widths and turning circles
• Have a reliable water source for firefighting: pond, swimming pool, or dedicated tanks
• Know where your water supply is and how quickly it can be accessed under pressure

4. Firefighting Equipment

Keep basic firefighting tools readily accessible:

• Garden hoses connected and pressurised
• Pumps where tank water is the primary source
• Hand tools (rakes, hoes, shovels) for ember management
• Protective clothing and footwear in a known location

5. Evacuation Plan

• Establish clear evacuation routes — know at least two ways out
• Have a designated meeting point away from the property
• Know at what fire danger rating or warning level you will leave (and leave early)
• Don't wait for a warning — if it's a high fire danger day, act on your plan

6. Emergency Contacts

Maintain a list of:

• NSW Rural Fire Service: rfs.nsw.gov.au | Emergencies: 000
• NSW SES: 132 500
• Local CRT Area Contact
• Neighbours and nearby support network

7. Regular Drills and Education

• Conduct a household fire drill at least once a year
• Ensure everyone in the household knows the evacuation plan
• Review the plan at the start of each fire season

8. Communication Plan

• Know how you'll receive warnings (Hazards Near Me app, ABC Radio, RFS website)
• Agree on how household members will communicate if separated
• Have a battery or wind-up radio for power outage situations

9. Insurance and Documentation

• Ensure your insurance is current and appropriate for your property type
• Store important documents in a fireproof container or offsite (or digitally)
• Photograph and document valuables for insurance purposes

10. Monitoring and Alerts

• Set up the Hazards Near Me app for real-time local alerts
• Check the NSW RFS Fire Danger Ratings regularly during fire season
• Know what each fire danger rating level means for your plan

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Download a printable Home Emergency Plan template from NSW SES.