Radiant heat can kill. You need to cover up
- dress to protect yourself -
take refuge from direct heat.

Radiant heat cannot transmit through solid objects.
If you put your hand near open flame, an electric heater element, or electric light bulb, you can feel the radiant heat it generates. Draw your hand away and the amount of heat on your skin decreases.

Put something between your skin and the heat source and again, your skin immediately feels cooler. That's all you need to remember about radiant heat from bushfires - distance and shielding protect you from dangerous exposure.

The danger is real. Radiant heat from the flame front of a bushfire scorches vegetation well in front of its path. It roasts animals caught in the open. People can also die if they do not seek protection.
Death is caused by heat stroke, when the body's cooling system fails, leading to heat exhaustion
and heart failure.

What you can do to shield yourself from Radiant Heat
Cover up and Take Cover

1. PROTECT YOUR EXPOSED SKIN AREAS

Bushfires usually occur on days of high temperature. You and your family may be in shorts or swimsuits and bare feet and sandals.
Remember, the killing effects of radiant heat are increased by the amount of skin exposed to it.

So as soon as you know there are bushfires in your area.Cover Up!

Firefighters wears protective gear to survive. So should you.

Put on natural fibre long pants and light long-sleeved wool jumpers or close weave cotton shirts or overalls. Wear good solid footwear - preferably leather and a sturdy hat. This is your survival suit.

No matter where or when you face a bushfire, remember to wear your survival suit. Cover up to survive.

Don't be caught outside wearing swimsuits, shorts, etc. cover yourself as soon as you become aware of a fire in your area.

2. TAKE COVER INSIDE YOUR HOUSE

As the fire front passes, radiant heat levels become extreme.
Your clothing may not be sufficient to protect you for the five to twenty minutes it may take for the fire to pass.

But radiant heat cannot penetrate through solid objects.
That means your best protection is a well prepared house.

As the fire front passes, stay inside with doors and windows shut to protect against spark entry. Remember, if you flee from your house, you lose its protection against radiant heat.

Other structures such as brick walls can offer protection.

3. REDUCE THE RISK OF DEHYDRATION

Dehydration occurs when fluid output from the body is greater than fluid input.
It is dangerous because it creates a build up of salts and minerals in the body tissues
which put strain on the kidneys. When the kidneys fail, death can quickly follow.

The high air temperature during a bushfire and the added stress of wearing extra clothing to shield against radiant heat will contribute to make you sweat heavily.

The fluids you lose must be replaced continuously or you risk dehydration.
Keep cool, drink water often.

Drink cool fluids at every opportunity - even if you don't feel thirsty.
Drink often to replace the fluids you sweat off. Alcohol and fizzy drinks must be avoided as they aid dehydration.

Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, so pay extra attention to their needs.
Keep them indoors where they do not need to wear heavy protective clothing for long periods. Cool the skin by sponging with cold water. Make sure they drink frequently.
Eating juicy fruit is also helpful.

4. IF CAUGHT ON THE ROAD

Remember, if your plan is to leave your home on a day of extreme fire danger then do it early - well before you become aware of a fire. A late evacuation is a deadly option. Declaration of a Total Fire Ban should be your trigger to put your plan into action.

Always u-turn to safety if you have the option but if you are caught on the road you car offers the best protection from radiant heat as the fire front passes. Do not get out and run.

• Pull over to the side of the road into a clear area - dirt track or road is the best. Try not to park the car in a place where it is surrounded by fuel for the fire - long dry grass and scrub for example.
• Put the hazard lights and headlights on and keep the engine running.
• Cover exposed skin as much as possible with clothing - not synthetic.
• Ensure windows are up and vents closed.
• Get down low as possible below window level and cover up with a woollen blanket until the fire front passes. You will feel a reduction in the heat and then it is time to get out and move to safety. If travelling in the country, always carry a woollen blanket in you car for this purpose.