There is a major difference between 5 P's for a residential situation, and 5P's for temporary situations such as out walking or camping. But both need to be considered well in advance and early steps made.
I've been in the residential situation without the 5 P's in place and found it very very difficult. (The Swinley Forest fire). There are so many different factors and decisions to be made in such a potentially short space of time that it can be overwhelming. Then folk freeze and hope it will pass/be ok.
In my case I was lucky.
(Had we and did we, make plans - No! Total brain fart....)
Before going on a trip, it is a good idea to look at the weather pattern maps and visualise how weather direction and changes relate to your proposed trip and duration. You will then not be surprised at the change when they happen, or to your potential exit routes. (for any obvious risks, not just fire.) I did this even for the Bushmoot.
"Ducking under" a fire in a river or stream is not a good idea, fire and smoke can easily jump these and the simple lack of oxygen and radiant heat easily kill. Get to the other side and get gone!
I'm not a fan of the bandanna mask, unless fairly air-tight around the mouth and nose, they do not stop dust and ash inhalation (tried it loads of times, all failed, I'm a sweep remember). The building site paper masks are light, easily packable, not perfect but do a better job.
If you are residential and travel compromised, by infirmity or simply kids, having a pre-arranged fall back location, travel plan, and some pre-placement of kit and recovery records is a good idea.
Depending upon the level of risk you might think about going early or doing a practice run to iron out kinks. ( Make it a challenge game/race for the kids - how quickly can we get to Grannies?/ Uncle Tom?) Stroppy teenagers need to start learning the facts- if I die, the house burns down, or kick you out, what are you going to do? - make a plan! Then discuss it, -warning, you may not like the answers!
It also helps your fallback hosts to consider what they might need to accommodate you at short notice. I've been the fall back host once, a tragedy on New Years Eve of all times....
I've been in the residential situation without the 5 P's in place and found it very very difficult. (The Swinley Forest fire). There are so many different factors and decisions to be made in such a potentially short space of time that it can be overwhelming. Then folk freeze and hope it will pass/be ok.
In my case I was lucky.
(Had we and did we, make plans - No! Total brain fart....)
Before going on a trip, it is a good idea to look at the weather pattern maps and visualise how weather direction and changes relate to your proposed trip and duration. You will then not be surprised at the change when they happen, or to your potential exit routes. (for any obvious risks, not just fire.) I did this even for the Bushmoot.
"Ducking under" a fire in a river or stream is not a good idea, fire and smoke can easily jump these and the simple lack of oxygen and radiant heat easily kill. Get to the other side and get gone!
I'm not a fan of the bandanna mask, unless fairly air-tight around the mouth and nose, they do not stop dust and ash inhalation (tried it loads of times, all failed, I'm a sweep remember). The building site paper masks are light, easily packable, not perfect but do a better job.
If you are residential and travel compromised, by infirmity or simply kids, having a pre-arranged fall back location, travel plan, and some pre-placement of kit and recovery records is a good idea.
Depending upon the level of risk you might think about going early or doing a practice run to iron out kinks. ( Make it a challenge game/race for the kids - how quickly can we get to Grannies?/ Uncle Tom?) Stroppy teenagers need to start learning the facts- if I die, the house burns down, or kick you out, what are you going to do? - make a plan! Then discuss it, -warning, you may not like the answers!
It also helps your fallback hosts to consider what they might need to accommodate you at short notice. I've been the fall back host once, a tragedy on New Years Eve of all times....
