With Australia experiencing its first massive bushfire catastrophe in 2013 in Tasmania, it would be best to start doing a checklist of what to do in the event a bushfire erupts in your place, as well as a list of things to prepare in case you decide to battle out the bushfire yourself.

Australia is particularly vulnerable to bushfires being the world's driest inhabited continent. This dryness gets all the more amplified during summer by extreme heat. In fact since last quarter of 2012, Australian authorities have warned that this year's particular summer season could bring forth extreme fire conditions, after experiencing cooler conditions in the past several years.

In the event of a bushfire, Australia's many Country Fire Service units always ask people before hand to think if they are really physically well to battle a bushfire just so to be able to save their homes and properties. Because not all are physically fit to battle the scenario head on. For those who can't, it is always advised to relocate to a much safer place early in the day.

And for those who decide to stay to wage the bushfire, it would be best that they have prepared a Bushfire Survival Kit well before the fire season, which should contain:

  • Protective clothing for the whole family
  • Buckets and mops
  • Drinking water
  • Mobile phone charger
  • Woollen blanket for each person
  • Torch
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Battery-operated radio
  • First-aid kit
  • Spare batteries for torch and radio
  • Hoses and spare hose fittings
  • Knapsack sprayer
  • Shovel
  • Ladder
  • Towels
  • Medications
  • Gutter bungs

In controlling the fire, be sure to change to long-sleeved shirts and long pants that are both made from natural fibres, as well as sturdy leather footwear. Don't forget broad rimmed hat, gloves and goggles to protect the eyes from smoke and flying embers. Keep in handy also a dust mask, towel or scarf. A special filter mask for people suffering respiratory conditions such as asthma should be included in your survival kit.

And at all times, do remember to hydrate yourself by drinking water every 10 minutes. The body will be under stress from heat, so fluids must be replenished.

For more tips and advice, check http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/fire_safety/surviving_a_bushfire.jsp