Bushfires can strike with little warning, but being prepared can make all the difference.

Whether you live in a high-risk area or simply want to know what to do in an emergency, Acenda is here to support you with calm, clear guidance for before, during, and after a fire.

Thinking ahead gives you and your family the best chance of staying safe.

Tips for effective preparation

• Know your risk:
  • Visit your state or territory’s Fire Service website and check the Fire Danger Rating daily.
• Create a Bushfire Survival Plan:
  • Know where you’ll go, when you’ll leave, what you’ll take, and how you’ll get there.
  • Plan for pets, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
  • Stock up early on fuel, water, non-perishable food, and medications.
• Prepare your property:
  • Clear leaves, twigs, and flammable materials from around the property.
  • Trim trees and overhanging branches.
  • Seal gaps to prevent embers entering.
  • Keep hoses and water supplies accessible.
• Know your zone:
  • Save emergency services numbers and download local fire apps (e.g. Fires Near Me).

What to pack in a Bushfire Emergency Kit

Have this ready to go and easy to grab on short notice.

Emergency Kit Checklist:

• Important documents – e.g. IDs, insurance documents, medical cards, and prescriptions – stored in a waterproof pouch
• Medications and glasses
• First aid kit
• Mobile phone and charger/power bank
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• Protective clothing (long sleeves, sturdy shoes, hats, goggles, face masks)
• Wind-up or battery-operated radio and torch
• Wet towels or blankets
• Emergency contacts list
• Pet food, medication, and leash/carrier
• Photos of valuables (for insurance claims).

What to do during a bushfire

Your safety always comes first. If a fire is approaching:

• Don’t wait – leave early if you can.
• Stay tuned to online, radio, and emergency app updates from local councils, the SES, or the ABC.
• Close all windows and doors if sheltering inside – keep low, stay indoors, and move to a room with few windows.
• Never drive through heavy smoke or fire zones unless advised it’s safe to do so by a fire fighter or qualified authority.

How to recover after a bushfire

Safety first:

• Wait for emergency services to declare your area safe.
• Watch out for smouldering debris, weakened trees, and structural damage.
• Avoid entering buildings that look unstable.

Cleaning and health:

• Wear gloves, sturdy boots, long sleeves, and a face mask.
• Be cautious of asbestos, chemicals, and soot.
• Don’t turn electricity or gas back on until checked by a professional.
• Take photos of any damaged goods, property, and important documents for insurance purposes before you start the clean-up.

Taking care of yourself:

• Emotions after a disaster are normal – allow yourself time to process.
• Contact a trusted GP or counselling service if you feel you aren’t coping. You can also reach out to Acenda for wellbeing support or professional help. Call us on 13 65 25, 8.30am to 6pm (AEST/AEDT), Monday to Friday.
• Be kind to yourself and others – healing takes time.

Staying connected during an emergency

Always follow advice from emergency services in your area, and remember: 

• Call 000 if you’re in immediate danger.
• Stay updated via local authorities and reliable sources for warnings and evacuation notices:
  
  • Download the Bush Fire Survival Plan.
  • Download the Fires Near Me Australia App (available on Android and Apple).

Here are key state contacts for emergency assistance:

State / Territory	Emergency service
Australian Capital Territory	www.esa.act.gov.au
New South Wales	www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Northern Territory	www.pfes.nt.gov.au
Queensland	www.qfes.qld.gov.au
South Australia	www.ses.sa.gov.au
Tasmania	www.ses.tas.gov.au
Victoria	www.ses.vic.gov.au
Western Australia	www.dfes.wa.gov.au