Where to start the Challenge?
I want to start the challenge, but is now the right time?
Hint: Any time is a good time! But the best place to start will depend on the time of year or your current situation.
IMPORTANT
If you are reading this and your house is under immediate threat from the fire front – it is too late to evacuate.
It is not safe to leave without assistance from emergency services. You will most likely hear statements like “It’s too late to leave” or “Shelter in place”. These indicate that the fire front is fast moving and intense and may impact on your escape routes or property very soon. In these instances you will need to find defendable, solid shelter. This is something you might have found while you were completing the Rediscover your area activity
Find out which approach suits you best:
It’s August and I want to get started
Perfect timing! Start at the beginning and go through the stages in order. The email challenge is perfect as you have plenty of time.
It’s summer but nothing is on fire
Now is definitely time to get cracking. Work through the challenge in order here on the website. Focus on Stage 2 to figure out your evacuation plan and triggers to leave, and Stage 3 to prep your emergency kit and personal grab bags. Then go to Stage 6 so you have a plan B. Use any spare time to prep your house and yard.
The fire danger rating is extreme
Focus on your safety. If you don’t already have an evacuation plan go to Stage 2 to figure out where you’ll go, Stage 3 to prep your grab bags, and Stage 6 so you have a plan B. Use any spare time to prep your house and yard.
I’ve done the Challenge before
Fantastic, thanks for coming back! It never hurts to refresh on the basics. Things may have changed since last time, and supplies in the Emergency Kit might need a refresh. You may also want to kick the tyres on your Evacuation Plan and Plan B.
There’s a fire nearby and my Hazards app is pinging
It may be too late to leave – follow advice from emergency services. If it’s safe to leave, you should get ready to go. Go straight to Stage 2 and figure out where you’re evacuating to, and if there’s time do the Grab Bag task in stage 3. If you can’t leave, Stage 2 is where you’ll find advice about protective clothing and actively defending your property.