[lovealpacas]

We've been getting the RFS texts and phone calls tonight- we are in an area which will have catastrophic conditions tomorrow. I've never really been in a situation where I've had to prepare for an emergency, and tbh I'm very scared, especially now that I have two young daughters to consider. I've packed a bag with spare clothes, passports and birth certificates, we have water bottles in the fridge and plans for tomorrow, but I'm lying here wide awake.

DD1 will be in town at childcare, and I am taking DD2 to a doctors appointment in the morning so will be out for awhile and DH is going in to work for a bit, hopefully I can convince him not to come home, I'd rather we were all in town away from danger. The internal paddock gates are open so the alpacas can move about but I'm still worried. Is there anyone else feeling the same tonight?

B

[Sinister Bonnet]

I think being scared is perfectly rational and all you can do is be as prepared as possible whether you are staying to defend or pulling out.

So hoping for everyone in the zones that the worst doesn't happen.

[Sarzie]

Yes I am on mat leave and plan to go shopping with my 5 1/2 month old DD. To a large shopping centre.

[Gloriosa]

I've received the SMS and phone calls too and have evacuated to my sister in laws so I'm feeling a lot better. I'm south coast NSW, where are you?

[with the goo goo...]

*Bighug* I truly hope that they are just wrong and it all comes to nothing. How frightening.

I am on the other side of the world far far from any potential fire danger but I am very worried for my family who are in high risk areas.

[Justaduck]

I'm in QLD so obviously safe, but yep I would be. Would pack whatever we would need (and things like photos) into the car tonight.

Hope you manage to get some sleep tonight and everything stays safe at home

[lovealpacas]

We are in NSW Southern Tablelands, just outside Canberra. Town is only 10 min away, but we have to drive through a heavily wooded area to get there, so the chances of getting caught are real. DD2's dr appointment isn't until 10:45 but I'll head in earlier to drop off DD1, then just stay at the shops or library, or head to a friends house. We have decided not to defend the property, our lives are more important. Plus it would be a two person job, and I have to look after DD2. Just hoping I can sleep tonight, am feeding DD2 ATM. When I look at her beautiful sleepy face I'm reminded of what's really important.

[lovealpacas]

Morning everyone. Please stay safe today.

B

[busymumof1&1/2]

I got the texts and calls last night too. I think we are just on the border of the catastrophic zone, and if we lived 20mins down the road, we would not have recieved the warnings. I am, however, going to check the website all day, and if I hear the VRFS blokes leave, we are leaving too.

[vitaechel]

It's natural to be scared. I have been in a bush fire and it's beyond terrifying. I have also received the texts in the past. My fathers farm is also close to areas that burned during black Friday. I was volunteering at Red Cross in the phone room.... Lets just say I won't ever forget.

Red Cross Emergency Service have a booklet that might help for those in Bush fire areas atm - BOOKLET

It covers any kind of emergency and will remind you of things to think of prior to an emergency happening.

Good Luck to everyone in Catastrophic areas and Extreme areas today. I hope it turns out to be a false alarm.