If you are instructed by emergency services to evacuate, move to the designated evacuation centre as outlined in the evacuation warning or order issued by emergency services. You may not always receive an advanced evacuation warning as some hazards, such as bushfires, can escalate quickly. Do not wait for an evacuation order to leave an at-risk area if you require assistance from others or have health issues that impact your ability to respond quickly. Your best option is to always leave early.
The location of evacuation centres may vary depending on the hazard type. Always check the evacuation warning and order for the designated evacuation centre.
An evacuation centre and a Neighbourhood Safer Place are not the same thing. An evacuation centre will have staff and volunteers to assist you, while a Neighbourhood Safer Place is a place of last resort during bushfires. Neighbourhood Safer Places can be a structure or open space, there will be no staff or volunteers to assist you, and there may be no amenities onsite.
Review LiveTraffic and Councils flood monitoring stations to ensure your evacuation route is open.
Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPS)
Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) are often a place of last resport that provide a a level of protection from immediate life-threatening effects of a bushfire. While they are evaluated and endorsed by the Rural Fire Service, they still entail some risk. Leaving is always your best options but it's worth knowing where they are as they may afford some protection from radiant heat if you are caught out by a fire.
Remember, an NSP is not an evacuation centre and will not have the services available you find in an evacuation centre.