Before and During a Fire

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State government restrictions are in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may affect how you follow CFA's fire safety advice. You can find up to date advice on Your Bushfire Safety Plan and COVID-19 or on the Coronavirus Victoria website.

CFA has a wealth of resources to help you understand your fire risk and know what to do before and during a fire.

This section discusses the importance of leaving early, and how a well thought out bushfire survival plan can help you if you live or holiday in high-risk bushfire areas of Victoria.

You don't have to live near bush to be at risk of fire. Grassfire can be just as dangerous as bushfire; know what to do if you live close to grass in a rural area or where the suburbs meet grasslands.

More information in this section

	Page Title	Description
	Your Guide to Survival	This guide provides essential information aimed at anyone who lives, works or travels in Victoria so that they are prepared for the summer fire season.
	Leave Early	Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. Leaving early means leaving the area before a fire starts – not when you can see flames or smell smoke.
	Your Bushfire Plan	You don’t have to live in the country to be at risk of fire. If you live near areas that have significant bush, forest, long grass, or coastal scrub, then you need to plan ahead for the fire season.
	Fire Ready Kit	The responsibility for surviving the fire season is shared between emergency services and the community. You have a role in ensuring our community's safety.
	Pets and Bushfires	When preparing your bushfire survival plan, you also need to plan and prepare for the safety of your pets.
	Back Up Plans	Fires are unpredictable and plans can fail. Having a back-up plan that identifies your shelter or last resort options may save your life if you are caught in a fire.
	Defending your property	Defending your property is risky - you could be seriously injured, suffer psychological trauma or die. Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family.
	Your Bushfire Safety Plan and COVID-19	Leaving early during COVID-19 will be a little different this summer.