• Faster uphill than downhill. With the wind, rather than against it.
• Faster where there is dead plant material. Faster in fine fuels.
• Faster where the vegetation canopy is intertwined. Although veld fires can have devastating effects on people's lives and property, they are also very important for local ecosystems. For example, the heat generated by fires help certain plant seeds to grow. So, having a better understanding of veld fires can help you to be better prepared.

• Decide whether it is safer to stay or leave the scene.Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Have emergency food and medical supplies ready. Move livestock to safer areas. Listen to the radio for news updates.
• Wet the garden and house, especially on the side of the approaching fire.
• Plug gutters and fill them with water.
• Fill baths, buckets and dust bins with water in case the water supply fails, and have mops handy. Seal any gaps between the doors and floor using wet towels or similar items.
• Close all windows and doors.
• If you decide to stay, go indoors and remain there until the fire has passed. Take fire hoses and other firefighting equipment indoors with you.
• Check inside the house, including the roof cavity, and extinguish any small fires immediately.
• Remain vigilant after the fire has passed.

• Escape first, then call for help.
• Develop a home fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the family gathers at an agreed meeting place outside.
• Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
• Practise feeling your way out with your eyes closed.
• Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
• Practice your family emergency plan / home escape plan frequently with your family.
• Never return to a burning building for any reason, you could die. Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a home fire.

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