 The key to survival is decision-making. Don't wait till you can see smoke or fire. Make your plans well before a fire starts. Have a written plan and practice what you will do with your household. This will help you act quickly when the time comes. Your most important decision is when to leave. Work out which fire danger rating is your trigger to leave and if you will leave the night before or early in the morning. Work out where you'll go and how you'll get there and plan alternative routes in case roads are blocked. Do you have friends or family in low-risk areas? Or will you go to a community facility? Decide early and stick to your plan. What will you take with you? Pack an emergency kit and store it somewhere handy. Have a plan for your pets and livestock too. How will you transport your pets? Remember they could be stressed and more difficult to handle. And is there anyone outside of your household you should help or check on? It's important to expect the unexpected. Have a backup plan. What if the kids are at school or home alone or you don't have access to a car? Conditions can change rapidly and the best laid plans can go out the window. Make decisions for all sorts of scenarios and stay tuned to warnings and updates. Remember monitor warnings and stay informed.