As bushfire season continues, there are many things to consider when implementing a survival plan.
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Where will I go? What will I pack? Which road will I take? What is my back-up plan?
But what happens if you live with an elderly relative or someone with a disability?
Nursing homes and disability service providers are well-prepared for emergency situations, however individuals and families may not be in the same situation.
Wollondilly Fire Control Centre community liaison Elizabeth Ellis said additional needs must be factored into a bushfire survival plan.
"We want people to assess their individual risk," Ms Ellis said.
"They don't have to live in a road where it's one way in and one way out.
"You can be vulnerable to bushfires in other ways."
Once people with additional needs have left an at-risk area, they must have suitable alternative accommodation they can reside in for several days.
"When they leave, they might have fewer choices in terms of where they might stay," Ms Ellis said.
"Perhaps they need different facilities such as bathrooms with railings.
"They need to think of where they can go well ahead of time." There are several other considerations when it comes to accommodation, according to Liveable Housing Australia guidelines.
These include at least one step-free entrance, internal doors and corridors that facilitate comfortable movement and a continuous handrail on one side of any stairway.
The accommodation should also have a toilet on the ground floor or at entry-level, and there should be a step-free shower for easy access.
Ms Ellis recommended elderly people devised several back-up bushfire survival plans.
"Have a back-up plan for your back-up plan," she said.
"Think 'what if plan a fails?', 'what if my car can't start?' and 'have I got someone else I could call?'
"Even if it means you've got to go a bit further away, if your children live down on the South Coast or in Sydney."
Ms Ellis said most people should not stay to defend their properties.
"You need to be both physically and mentally strong," she said.
The RFS advises people have discussions about what to do if a bushfire threatens their home.
Residents should also prepare their property and get to know the meaning of the bushfire alerts.
It is also recommended residents keep all of the bushfire information numbers, websites and the smartphone app on their phones.
Visit https://www.myfireplan.com.au for advice on how to prepare your survival plan.
