1. Addressing needs and challenges

When preparing your plan, you should address your specific needs and challenges. These could include using a wheelchair or having a certain supply of medication when you need to leave your home. When putting together your plan, you should consider the following:

Your medication:

• Do you have enough medication in the case of a bushfire (if not, is it possible for you or someone who cares for you to access the chemist?),
• Is your prescription up to date and easy to find?
• Have you spoken to your GP about creating an emergency supply of medicine?
• Do you have a list of your medication (either a digital document or on paper, stored somewhere easily accessible) which includes information about your condition, dosage, emergency contacts and potential allergies?
• Do you have at least several days’ supply of medication in case of an emergency?
• Is your Medicare card easily accessible?
• Do you have easy access to your doctor or specialist’s contact information?
• Do you need an ice pack or Esky to keep medication in case you need to leave?

Equipment/assistive technology:

• If you use a wheelchair or any other mobility device, speak with your physiotherapist about a back-up plan in case of damage, loss, or disrupted access to electricity.
• Show your support networks how to use, transport, assemble and disassemble your equipment and devices.
• Let your neighbours know that you might need extra support with your wheelchair/ mobility devices.
• Consider purchasing an extra battery or power supply for your device (if logistically and financially reasonable).
• Consider purchasing any extra spare parts for your device.

If you have an assistance animal:

Like you would for yourself, ensure your assistance animal is travel ready with items including:

• food,
• water,
• a first aid kit,
• any medications and prescriptions,
• a collar and leash,
• crate or carrier,
• and dog waste bags.

The CFS has a useful guide for how to care for pets and animals during a bushfire. For more information, click here.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Pack a pen and paper to communicate with others who aren’t familiar with sign language.
• Pack extra batteries/power supply for your hearing device, if you use one.
• Consider whether you need to acquire an extra hearing device.
• Ensure that you have a radio or alarm that has text display and alerts.

If you are blind or have low vision:

• Consider using braille/tactile labels for emergency and essential items – ensure that these are easy to find.
• Communicate to a neighbour and your support system what assistance you will need in case of an emergency.
• Consider acquiring extra glasses, vision aidsor mobility canes.

If you use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):

• Pack spare batteries and/ora portable charger for your electronic communication device, if you use one.
• Create a plan with your speech pathologist about how you can communicate without your electronic device (i.e., using laminated cards or pen and paper).
• Your speech pathologist can support you with creating an emergency communication card which includes information about yourself and your communication needs, to use with unfamiliar people in an emergency.

Building an emergency kit

A bushfire kit will contain your ‘essential items’ like batteries, medicine and identification. Your kit should be packed well ahead of an emergency and is a ‘grab and go’ item if you need to leave. According to the CFS, your bushfire kit should include:

• driver’s license/photo ID,
• passport,
• photos,
• will,
• jewelry,
• insurance papers,
• medical prescriptions,
• USB stick or file containing important files/papers,
• medicines and first aid kit,
• mobile phone and charger,
• battery powered radio, torch and spare batteries,
• overnight bag with change of clothes, toiletries, sanitary supplies,
• adequate amount of water and food,
• 100 per cent woolen blankets,
• important contact numbers including family, friends, Information Hotline 1800 362, 361, doctor, council, power company,
• a hard copy map with main routes, backup routes and petrol stations marked
• Protective clothing (long sleeved, made from natural material such as cotton, sturdy footwear/leather boots and a P2 mask) for each member of the family.