I wasn't in Australia these past few days and don't know what messages were sent out to people in order for them to evacuate. There are no words to describe the horror. I cannot comment on what kept people from getting out before the fires took them in their homes and vehicles. I am writing more for evacuation plans in which you are aware soon enough to grab what you need before you walk out. Some steps to follow: take your emergency survival kit and id/med documents and cash/banking cards. Keep a radio with you to know what orders re directions and evacuations plans are being set up by authorities. Have batteries. Wear appropriate clothing. Shut off utilities if radio instructions are specifying this. Leave a note letting others know where you are going to head towards. Put the note where someone might find it, such as the mailbox or conspicuously in the freezer. Drain the water if you are going to be away during a winter power outage. Starting on the top floor, open all taps and flush the toilets several times and open the drain valve in the basement. Drain the hot water tank by running a hose from from the tank drain valve and letting the water run into the floor drain. If it is a gas-fired water tank, turn off the pilot light before you drain the water. Make sure you unhook the washing machine hose and drain that. Check you have necessary medications wtih you. Take a 3 day supply of water and non-refrigerated food with you, per person of course. Take a weapon with you, such as a good hunting knife. I would actually have the good hunting knife with the emergency survival kit. Leave a key where you can find it or where a trusted friend/relative could find it if necessary.

What do people forget? Medicine is one of the main ones, then crucial documents such as a passport or other photo id, especially for those who don't keep a wallet with a license on them, contact lense supplies and glasses, which sorely inhibit their ability to deal with a crisis if they cannot see well or cannot clean their lenses, water because we are all thinking it will be wherever we are heading, a hunting knife or utility knife, a can opener, adequate clothing. Men are probably the worst culprits for the clothing concern. Follow that list so you're not running out without essentials.