3 things you can do right now to keep your family safe

Creating a bushfire plan can take time. While you're getting your plan together theres a few things that you can implement into your bushfire planning that will assist in keeping your family safe this summer.

1) Become a weather warrior! Get into the habit of doing a daily check of the weather, and for the upcoming 4 days. We're looking out for things that might alert those bushfire senses to days of increased fire behaviour.

• Temperatures above 30 degrees

• Humidity below 30 %

• Wind over 30 kmp/h (also check for possible wind changes)

By using the 30 / 30 /30 method daily, you can get a feel for the overall weather patterns and triggers for your planning.

• We can add one more element to this. If theres been localised lightning there could be fire ignitions.

Sources for this info can be through the BOM app or local news services.

2) This brings us to Apps! Download the emergency app for your area. If it has the functions, set up watch zones for your local neighbourhood and greater township area, turn on notifications and test it's working. If you're not comfortable with apps, reach out to family, friends or the community for assistance.

Also on the app or local news you can check the Fire Danger Ratings each day and up to 4 days in advance - keep an eye out for days of High, Extreme or Catastrophic and any Total Fire Bans. *Fires can also start and spread in moderate conditions so be alert throughout the fire season with high winds.

Remember - we can't rely solely on apps or emergency services to advise us. Data and power could be compromised on high fire risk days so have alternate sources of info such as local radio. Use your senses - step outside throughout the day and get a feel for what's happening such as signs of smoke in the area. Have battery backups for devices and an AM battery radio.

3) Community Unity. If you notice anything during steps 1 and 2, engage with your family, friends and/or community to discuss. Ask if they've seen similar things, or notify those that might not have the information - especially anyone thats possibly vulnerable in the community.

Now is a great time to organise street gatherings to discuss bushfire plans and ways to help others. Building relationships with the people around you will help to strengthen bushfire resilience.

Thats 3 simple steps to get you started while you're creating your family bushfire safety plan. Visit your local fire brigade webpage for more robust planning advice and our friends at Bushfire Resilience Inc for the best FREE webinar series in Australia.