Bushfire Safety and Health
Where Can I Get Information During a Fire?
- Listen to your local ABC radio station or other local radio station for fire updates. Have a battery powered radio in case power fails.
- Check for web updates - fires on public land (DSE) - fires on private land (CFA)
- For specific queries call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667 (free call) or TTY 1800 122 969.
- A brief summary of important bushfire safety information is provided below.
- See CFA's website for detailed bushfire safety information, and for information for preparing your property for fire season.
- Patrol your home and extinguish any embers (burning twigs and leaves) that may be blown ahead of a fire.
- As a fire front approaches it will be unsafe to be outside, either on foot or in a car - radiant heat from the fire can kill.
- Avoid being exposed to radiant heat at all costs. Make use of structures like their homes to seek refuge as the fire front passes.
- Wear natural fibre long pants and light long-sleeved wool jumpers or close weave cotton shirts or overalls. Wear a sturdy hat and good, solid footwear - preferably leather.
- After the fire front passes expect embers (burning twigs and leaves) to continue to arrive for several hours.
- Continue to patrol your home - don't forget to check inside roof spaces, in under-floor spaces and areas where leaves currently collect to ensure that nothing is burning.
- Avoid bushfire situations, where possible. If in doubt, U-turn to safety.
- If it is a hot, dry, windy day, or it is a Total Fire Ban, plan your trip carefully. Avoid high bushfire risk areas at these times, especially if walking.
- If you see a bushfire whilst driving or walking, turn around and go back, if possible. report new fires by telephoning 000.
- Exercise caution when driving, even some distance away from a fire, due to possible smoke and other hazards such as fire vehicles on roads.
- Further fire safety information is available about travelling through, or visiting, areas that may be affected by bushfires.
- Always follow the guidelines for campfire safety so you don't accidentally start a bushfire.
- Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 (free call) or TTY 1800 122 969.
- CFA's website - detailed bushfire safety information
- Department of Human Services - information on coping with stress, as well as bushfire and your health
- EPA's Bushfires and Air Quality - assessing and monitoring air quality, self-assessment and how to protect yourself
- DHS Better Health factsheets - bushfire smoke, potential hazards after a bushfire, bushfires and water tanks, air pollution