Guide Last checked: 29 Oct 2026

Bush Fire Season Home Ready Kit for Sydney

This page is not a substitute for an NSW RFS bush fire survival plan. Make yours at myfireplan.com.au (about five minutes, per the RFS) or with the MyFirePlan app.

1. Make your plan: the RFS four steps

1. Discuss what to do if a bush fire threatens your home.
2. Prepare your home for bush fire season (e.g. keep grass low, keep a cleared area around the house).
3. Know the bush fire alert levels — find them on the NSW RFS website and the Fires Near Me app.
4. Keep up to date with bush fire information numbers, websites and apps.

Official: NSW RFS Bush fire survival plan. Not sure if you live in a bush fire prone area? Check the RFS "Know your risk" pages at rfs.nsw.gov.au.

2. Pack the emergency survival kit

The RFS suggests preparing this kit before the season starts and keeping it in a waterproof container somewhere the whole household knows.

Keep ready

• Portable battery-operated radio
• Waterproof torch
• Spare batteries
• First aid kit with manual
• Candles with waterproof matches
• Woollen blankets
• Emergency contact numbers
• Waterproof bag for valuables

Add before you leave

• Cash, ATM and credit cards
• Medications, toiletries and sanitary supplies
• Special needs for infants, elderly, injured or disabled people
• Mobile phone and charger
• Combination pocket knife
• Important documents, valuables and photos (waterproof bag)
• Change of clothes for everyone
• Drinking water — at least 3 litres per person per day

Pets

Make sure pets wear an ID tag. If leaving, take a leash, basket, medication, food and a familiar toy.

Official: NSW RFS Emergency survival kit

3. Neighbourhood Safer Places are a last resort

The RFS says Neighbourhood Safer Places are a place of last resort, used only when your other plans can't be carried out safely, and they don't guarantee safety. Leaving early is always the safest option. Note your nearest one in your plan. Official: Neighbourhood Safer Places

4. Check your smoke alarms

NSW law requires working smoke alarms in homes, and renters and landlords have specific repair and replacement duties. See Fire and Rescue NSW for exact requirements: Smoke alarms — what is the law. If you rent, tell your landlord or agent promptly about a faulty alarm.

Optional gear

Only if you're missing something. We make no claims about any product's safety or performance — check listings and standards yourself.

Sources: RFS kit · RFS survival plan · RFS NSPs · FRNSW smoke alarm law. Last checked 29 Oct 2026.