Bushfire Report

           A Guide to Develop a Bushfire Evacuation Plan




STEP 5: SAFE REFUGE

Where Will they Go?

Where to go is an important element in relocating people during a time of emergency.
To decide on where to go there are a number of considerations that should be made.
Some of these should include;

       •     How many persons are within the premise and is the venue able to
             accommodate that number?

       •     Is the venue in an area that is away from any threat of bushfire?

       •     Do you have people with special needs* that require a similar facility to
             support them?

       •     Have you spoken with the emergency services and discussed where they
             suggest is a safe location and a possible route to that location?

       •     Have you considered venues such as community centres, schools etc as
             possible places to go? Remember that venues should have general
             amenities.

       •     Is the route to the venue such that it does not require transporting through
             bush fire affected areas or areas that may be affected by an incoming bush
             fire?

       •     Have you considered pre-arrangements for transfer to any medical or other
             health care premises?


             * “Special Needs” are physical, intellectual, visual, or auditory disability
             or impairment, either temporary or permanent. It also includes aged
             persons and juveniles who are dependent on others for their care and
             well-being.


The Bushfire Evacuation Plan is to provide details on the venue(s) being considered
as a safe refuge. Details should include street name and suburb, map reference,
venue name, and the possible route to be taken.

Depending on the location of the premise, there may be a need to have 2 or 3
venues depending on the amount of bush areas around the premises, location of a
fire and the safest route from the premises.


Bushfire Evacuation Planning – NSW Rural Fire Service: July 2004                  Page 13 of 39