Driving

If you are driving in a bushfire-prone area such as forest or grassland, remember to stay alert at all times. Fire can start and become dangerous quickly. If you see smoke ahead, don't delay. U-turn to safety.

• Monitor district Fire Danger Ratings and daily weather forecasts.
• Always carry maps of the area you are entering, and note exit routes.
• Always keep a bag in your vehicle, with long sleeved clothing made of natural fibres (eg. cotton), sturdy shoes, drinking water, your medication.
• Keep a woollen blanket in the car for added protection from radiant heat.

Road travel during bushfires could be fatal.
Always avoid areas where fires are burning.

Fires usually create a lot of thick dark smoke. This makes it very hard to see the road ahead, and you may drive into flames. Trees and power lines often fall down and block roads, leaving you at high risk of being trapped where a fire is burning.

Roads can quickly become congested with emergency vehicles and other vehicles escaping the fire. Car accidents in these conditions are very common. If you have a car accident during the fire or meet flames while you are driving, you will be in great danger from the radiant heat of the fire.

Don't get caught on the road during a bushfire.
Be prepared to change travel plans to avoid bushfire-prone areas on hot, dry and windy days.

Driving during a bushfire is a last resort.
If you find yourself in a vehicle during a bushfire:

• Always u-turn to safety if you can.
• If you can't, stay in the car. It offers better protection from radiant heat than being outside. Do not get out and run.

Increase your protection from radiant heat.

• Park behind a solid structure, to block as much heat as you can. Otherwise, pull in to a clear area at the side of the road, if possible, away from debris that may ignite.
• Put up your car windows, close air vents, turn on hazard lights and headlights.
• Cover exposed skin as much as possible with natural fibre clothing, not synthetic.
• Get down as low as possible below window level.
• Cover up with a woollen blanket until the fire front passes. If you have water, drink it.
• Get out of the car once the fire has gone.