Bushfire facts

Protection from radiant heat

Make sure all skin is covered.

Do not wear shorts, t-shirt and thongs.

Cover up as soon as you are alerted to a fire in your area.

A solid object, such as a brick wall, can provide some protection from radiant heat.

Clothes to wear:

• a long-sleeved, collared shirt
• pants made from cotton or some other natural fibre
• sturdy boots and woollen socks
• tough leather garden gloves – not rubber or synthetic
• a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head
• a face mask (P2 type) or towel to cover your mouth and nose
• eye protection such as smoke goggles to shield your eyes.

Protective clothing and a solid shield may NOT save your life.

If you're in a car

Cars offer very little protection from radiant heat. Getting caught on the road during a bushfire is a very dangerous situation.

To increase your protection from radiant heat in a car:

• park behind a solid structure to block as much heat as you can.
• If this is not possible, pull over to the side of the road into a clear area, well away from debris that may ignite
• wind up the windows, close the vents
• put on your hazard lights and headlights
• leave the engine running and airconditioning on recirculate
• 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.

Leaving early on high risk fire days is the safest option to avoid exposure to radiant heat.