The 2009 Victorian Black Saturday bushfires were a game changer. Previously, the message from fire authorities to us householders was: "You have a choice, stay and defend your prepared property, or leave early."
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But the more than 100 deaths in or near homes forced a re-think. Bushfires under extreme fire danger weather conditions are so dangerous that defending even a well-prepared house is risky.
I was one of several researchers who visited properties and interviewed survivors for the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre's report to the Black Saturday bushfires Royal Commission.
We heard accounts of wind gusts ripping off roof sections and tree branches smashing windows so that embers ignited houses. Petrol-driven water pumps had stopped when fuel vaporised in the carburettor, and residents had collapsed because of the heat.
Defending became futile and survival was touch and go. Sadly many didn't make it.
The bushfire safety message changed. It became: "If you value your life and that of your family, be ready to leave as soon as you're aware of a threat."
To check in on whether people's attitudes had changed, from 2011 to 2017 fire agencies across the country commissioned interviews after major bushfires. Findings were moderately positive.
Since the 2009 bushfires more residents planned and prepared to leave if threatened. However, a worrying number waited to see how things were looking before deciding if they needed to leave.
Trouble is, bushfires can move fast, and wind changes can make them speed up and shift direction. Waiting can mean your escape routes become death traps.
Why are bushfires so dangerous? We see the flames on the television news and may think these are the danger.
In fact, many bushfire deaths result from hyperthermia-radiant heat from flames as far away as 300 metres can quickly push your body temperature up to fatal levels. Other deaths result from breathing in superhot air which damages your airways.
Being prepared to leave safely is key. From which direction is a bushfire likely to come? Where are your nearby safe places? What are your safe routes out of danger? Have you got your kit of essentials packed ready to go?
Already, we have seen large fires burning in NSW, Queensland and WA. Over the long hot summer coming, fires may threaten your patch. Do heed the message.
Professor Jim McLennan is a bushfire safety researcher in the School of Psychology and Public Health at La Trobe University.
