As the warm months draw near, so does the risk of bushfires across many parts of Australia. With drier weather, rising temperatures, and unpredictable conditions, the threat of bushfires is quite real—especially for older adults.
While we often think of bushfire preparation as something for rural residents, the reality is that bushfires can impact communities on the outskirts of towns and cities too. For older Australians, especially those with health or mobility issues, having a bushfire plan can be a matter of life and death. Bushfires are a frequent part of life in Australia, and being prepared is essential. Since circumstances change each year, it’s important to review and update your bushfire plan annually.
At Home Care Assistance, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our clients. That’s why we’re urging all older Australians and their families to start preparing now—before bushfire season begins.
Why Older Australians Need to Prepare Early
During an emergency, every second counts—but for older people, responding quickly isn’t always possible. Many seniors live with:
- Reduced mobility or chronic health conditions
- Reliance on medications or medical devices
- Cognitive changes, such as dementia, can increase confusion and distress
In the face of a bushfire, these factors can make it difficult to evacuate quickly or follow emergency instructions.
Early planning helps older Australians, their families, and carers make calm, well-informed choices before a crisis occurs. With the right plan in place, you won’t have to think twice—you’ll know exactly what to do, when to leave, and who to call.
Step 1: Understand Your Local Risk
The first step in bushfire preparedness is to understand whether you live in a bushfire-prone area. Even suburban or coastal areas may be at risk if surrounded by dry vegetation or national parks.
Here’s how to check your risk:
- Visit your local council website or fire authority (e.g. NSW RFS, CFA Victoria, QLD Fire and Emergency Services)
- Download emergency apps (e.g. “Fires Near Me”, “VicEmergency”)
- Sign up for SMS alerts or follow local emergency services on social media
- Know which radio station provides local updates in an emergency, and make sure you have a battery-powered radio in case the power fails.
Tip: Home Care Assistance Care Professionals can help you check your local fire danger rating and ensure emergency updates are easily accessible.
Step 2: Create a Bushfire Survival Plan
A good bushfire plan doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be clear, well-practised, and shared with everyone involved in your care.
Decide Early: Will You Stay or Leave?
- Experts recommend that older people plan to leave early, well in advance of approaching fires.
- Choose a safe place to go: a relative’s home, a community centre, or an evacuation centre.
- Decide how you’ll get there, what you’ll take, and when you’ll go.
Pack a “Go Bag”
Keep a bag ready with essentials, including:
- Medications (including a copy of your prescriptions)
- Identification and essential documents
- Change of clothes and toiletries
- Water, snacks, and a torch
- Mobile phone charger and radio
- A list of emergency contacts
Store the bag where it’s easy to access, and label it clearly.
Prepare Your Home
Even if you plan to leave, preparing your home can reduce fire damage:
- Clear gutters, leaves, and flammable materials
- Move outdoor furniture away from the house
- Ensure garden hoses are long enough to reach around your home
- Close all doors, windows, and vents before you leave
Write Down an Emergency Contact List
Include:
- Family and friends
- Home Care Assistance or other support providers
- Your GP or pharmacy
- Local emergency services
Post the list somewhere visible—like on the fridge or near the phone and keep a copy in your “go bag”.
Step 3: Practise and Communicate the Plan
A plan is only helpful if everyone knows it—and practising your plan ensures that in a real emergency, you’re not scrambling.
Involve:
- Family members or neighbours
- Home Care Professionals
- Local support services
Run through the steps together:
- Who will call whom?
- Who will help pack and transport?
- What happens if carers can’t reach you?
At Home Care Assistance, we can help review or practise your bushfire plan, so everyone feels confident and prepared.
Step 4: Special Considerations for Seniors With Dementia or Disabilities
Emergencies can be particularly distressing for those living with cognitive impairment, hearing loss, or physical disabilities.
In these cases, the bushfire plan should:
- Include visual cues or written reminders
- Ensure carers or loved ones are involved in the evacuation process
- Avoid last-minute decisions that could increase confusion
Familiar carers or companions can provide comfort and reassurance during uncertain moments. This is where consistent home care becomes incredibly valuable.
How Home Care Assistance Can Help
Our team at Home Care Assistance is here to support clients before, during, and after bushfire season. Here’s how we help:
Before Bushfire Season:
- Help pack and maintain “go bags”
- Create or update written bushfire plans
- Check emergency contact lists and communication tools
- Assist with clearing outdoor areas and basic home preparation
During High-Risk Days:
- Monitor fire danger alerts
- Support early evacuation if needed
- Maintain regular communication with families and emergency services
Peace of Mind for Families:
If your loved one lives alone or far away, knowing that a trained caregiver is present can offer reassurance that they are safe, supported, and not facing emergencies alone.
It’s Better to Prepare Than to Panic
A bushfire plan is one of the most important tools an older person can have heading into the warmer months. It’s not just about reacting to danger—it’s about avoiding it altogether.
By preparing early, staying informed, and involving the right support, older Australians can feel confident and safe—no matter what the summer brings.
Need help creating a bushfire plan?
Home Care Assistance is here to support your family every step of the way. From helping with emergency kits to ensuring your loved one has safe, compassionate care in any season, we’re just a phone call away.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance offers viable solutions for supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.
