Your Bushfire Survival Plan

Complete My Plan

Step 5 - If My Plan Fails

In recent fires, people who planned to leave took longer to get ready than they had expected. This resulted in them being delayed and leaving when fire was upon them - often with tragic consequences. Ask yourselves: What is my plan to survive if it is too late or unsafe to leave my property? This is a dangerous situation and you must know where you will seek shelter from radiant heat. If you cannot leave the area, consider shelter options close by that may protect you.

• A well-prepared home (yours or a neighbour) that you can actively defend
• A private bunker (that meets current regulations)
• A designated community shelter or refuge

Last resort options could include:

• A Neighbourhood Safer Place
• A stationary car in a clear area
• A ploughed paddock or reserve
• A body of water (such as the beach, pool dam or river). This does not include a water tank. Dams may not be reliable as their water levels fluctuate and they may be empty in summer.

Note that last resort options carry a high risk of trauma, injury or death.

Back to My Plan Home

Could any well-prepared houses or buildings in my area be a safer place to shelter if I'm caught in a fire? Where are they?
Is there a designated Neighbourhood Safer Place in my area that could be used as a last resort? Do I know the best route there? What is the address including Melways/VicRoads Reference?
If there are several consecutive days of Severe, Extreme or Code Red, how will this affect My Plan? Remember it is important to minimise the disruption to your household. It is best to go to places where you can continue with normal activities as much as possible.
« Go back to Step 4	Save and return home