Bushfire Report

           A Guide to Develop a Bushfire Evacuation Plan




STEP 12: STATEMENT OF ACTION
To evacuate a number of persons, whether they are able, disabled or unfamiliar with
the area, the persons who have responsibilities in the evacuation process should be
clear of what is required. Statements of duties or actions that a person is required to
undertake in the event of an evacuation should be discussed and included within the
Bushfire Evacuation Plan.

Statements should be clear, concise and detailed in such a manner that a person is
aware of what they are required to do and when they are required to do it. The
following are examples of some duty actions of persons and whether the action is
pre-emptive or done at the time of the evacuation.

     The action statements should incorporate the things that are carried out as
     identified during the Steps 4 to 10.

Pre-emptive actions:

“In the event of a bush fire in the surrounding area, occupants of the premise shall
follow the procedure outlined below;

       •     Ensure that the staff is prepared in accordance with the Fire Evacuation
             Plan.

       •     Advise the local emergency services that the centre is operating, and that it
             will need to be advised early in the event of an evacuation being
             necessary.

       •     Ensure that the person in charge, i.e. Chief Warden, has a mobile phone
             and is contactable.

       •     Ensure that families are provided with a copy of the procedure “What to do
             if the centre is to be evacuated” upon arrival at the centre.

       •     Keep children inside, doors and windows closed.

       •     Remain calm and explain to the occupants what is happening.”




Bushfire Evacuation Planning – NSW Rural Fire Service: July 2004         Page 21 of 39