Hi <<First Name>>
How did you go with the Week One tasks? Now that you have a better understanding of your surroundings you are ready for Week 2 - this week we have a REALLY important topic to cover!
If there is something you do not understand from last week, please click here to ask us a question.
Week 2: Will I stay or will I go?
This is definitely the hardest - and most important - question to answer when preparing for a bushfire. There is no one single right answer (oh great!) and your decision must depend on the conditions on the day as much as your level of preparedness.
But whether you decide to stay or go, it’s important to make your decision early.
This week we have three challenges that will help you understand what the important issues are and prepare for the day when you need to make this choice. There is one quick and easy challenge, a fun challenge and a serious one - but we know you're up to it!
Quick challenge:
What are my 'triggers' to leave?
Write down three things that would make you want to leave your home and three things that would make you feel safe to stay.
Keep this list so you can compare it to the one you do at the end of the six weeks.
Should I stay or should I go?
This an extremely important question can only be answered by you.
Why? Because you are the only person who knows your situation.
When will you decide to go?
Early is always the safest option. Look for updates and warnings: Warnings may be broadcast on TV and Radio, posted on social media or through mobile phone networks. Please take heed of advice to prepare to evacuate. Always monitor the conditions around you. If you see an unattended fire, call "000" immediately.
Become familiar with the Fires Near Me, for live updates on fire activity:
http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me
Challenge 2:
Play dress ups! It's time to protect your home.
 We want you to find clothing around your home that would be safe to fight a fire in. Try it on and send us a photo!
Why? Imagine it's really hot and there is fire everywhere. This will give you a real feel of what it's going to be like! Hard work in hot, dry, stressful conditions.
To help you with the dress ups we borrowed our most fashionable crew members and prepared this photo for you...
The guy on the right seems the most prepared, obviously. But if you compare them the other two dodgy looking characters have done the right thing and are actually quite well dressed for hot, smoky conditions with embers about. Here's why:
- All natural fibres don't melt
- Full coverage keeps the radiant heat and hot embers out
- Enclosed shoes
- Gloves
- A mask or cloth to cover your mouth and nose
- Most important - eye protection.
We are waiting for your best photos. Email, Facebook or #getreadychallenge.
What conditions to expect if you decide to stay and defend your home:
Deciding to stay and defend can mean hours of hard work- doing regular patrols around your home including checking ceiling cavities inside and out looking for small fires and hot embers; both before and after the fire front passes through your area.
Other things to think about
Many people who have stayed to defend their house during a bushfire describe the experience as terrifying, hot and noisy. This is not meant to scare you off –it’s vital for your safety that you’re physically and mentally prepared for very difficult conditions.
Ask yourself these questions:
Are you physically and mentally fit? Think about your level of fitness.
Do you deal well in stressful situations?
Can you keep calm and focused despite difficult conditions?
Important!
You must be sure you will be able to work safely if you choose to stay and defend. Keep in mind always that your safety is the most important thing!
Challenge 3:
Deciding when to go
Ok, so you don't like the idea of staying to defend your home (maybe it was the bad fashion involved, or maybe the obvious dangers).
This means your plan is to leave early.
Your third challenge this week is to do some homework. The Bush Fire Survival Plan and also the MyFirePlan App have sections for you to fill in. Flip to section called “My Leave early plan” and “My stay and defend plan” and start pencilling in what you think you should do. This is an important tool in your decision-making process.
How do you decide what early is? Good question!
That will depend on your destination. Aim to avoid meeting danger on the roads you will travel from traffic or fire fronts. Give yourself extra time when planning to leave. The map exercise you completed in Week 1 will help here.
What's the Fire Danger Rating?
Go to the following link. It explains the Fire Danger Rating and shows today's rating for your area on a map (Blue Mountains is included in Region number 4).
http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans/?a=1421
Useful links to maps and the Bush Fire Survival Plan:
RFS MyFirePlan App for iOS devices
RFS MyFirePlan App for Android devices
No Smartphone? No problem download a PDF of the Fire Plan to your computer.
Final points for Week 2
If you plan to evacuate - make sure you go early and choose a place out of the risk area. Places you could go might be a friend or relative's house, or a shopping centre away from bushland – which isn't going to be affected by a fire. Don't forget to pack your undies and toothbrush! (More about undies in week 5).
If you are under immediate threat from the fire front - it is too late to evacuate. It is not safe to leave without assistance from emergency services.
If you intend to stay and defend make sure you tell your friends and family so they can check in with you later.
Questions? Feedback?
We’d love to hear from you!
We have started a Frequently Asked Questions page on our website.
Send us an email or a Facebook message.
We are also following the hashtag #getreadychallenge on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Next week
In Week 3 it's time to get dirty: 'Yard Blitz'. You might learn something new about your own backyard!
And here's a reminder of the topics covered in all 6 weeks:
- Week 1: Know your area
- Week 2: Will I stay or will I go? (this email)
- Week 3: Yard Blitz
- Week 4: Home Evaluation
- Week 5: My family’s Emergency Kit
- Week 6: Always have a Plan B
Please share this with a friend or neighbour and encourage them to sign up on our website. They can catch up on our website too.
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