Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Create your bushfire survival plan before the fire season: decide exactly when your household will leave, where you will go, which primary and backup routes you will use, what each person will do, and how pets or people needing assistance will travel. Leaving early is the safest general choice. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) states, “Leaving early is ALWAYS the safest option,” while NSW guidance says you do not need to wait for an official warning before leaving. Write the plan down, keep an emergency kit ready, practise it, and check current local warnings and road conditions when fire risk rises.
Why an agreed plan matters
A bushfire can make ordinary decisions difficult: people may be at work or school, roads can change quickly, and a household may include children, older adults, people with disability or medical needs, pets, or assistance animals. Deciding for the first time during an emergency creates avoidable uncertainty. NSW Government guidance recommends agreeing in advance what the household will do, and CFA planning material divides preparation into actions before the season, before high-risk days, and during a fire.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Your plan is not a substitute for official directions. A destination or road chosen in advance must be checked again when you act. If emergency services direct you to leave, shelter, or use a particular route, follow the current local instruction rather than an old household assumption.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchGuidance and alert names differ between states and territories. The examples below come chiefly from NSW Government, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), and Victoria’s CFA; use your own jurisdiction’s emergency service for current warnings and procedures.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
1. Have the household conversation
Include everyone who may need to act
Bring together household members, caregivers, relatives, neighbours, and other people who provide regular support. Discuss what happens if members are separated at work, school, on a trip, or during an appointment. Identify who can make the leaving decision if the usual decision-maker is unavailable, and who can collect children or dependants.
Talk through likely complications rather than relying on a general promise to “leave early.” Consider illness or injury, reduced mobility, medication schedules, communication needs, transport access, and the time required to load animals and equipment. NSW RFS specifically advises that children, older people, people with disability, and people with medical problems should always leave early.
Choose a clear leaving trigger
Write down the conditions that mean the household leaves, and who has authority to act. A trigger might be a forecast high-risk day, an official warning, a nearby fire, worsening smoke, or a local emergency-service instruction. The exact trigger must suit local advice and your household’s travel time and support needs.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →CFA advises leaving before a fire starts on Extreme or Catastrophic fire-risk days. NSW says people do not have to wait for an official warning before leaving. The practical principle is to depart while roads and conditions are still safe, not after a fire is already threatening the property.
Record the decision for people who are away
Write the trigger, the decision-maker, and the agreed action in the plan. Tell household members how they will receive the decision and what they should do if they cannot reach anyone. A plan should not depend on every person seeing the same alert at the same time.
2. Pick a destination and two routes
Primary and backup destinations
Choose a location away from the fire area where the whole household can stay, such as a suitable friend or family member’s home. Confirm that the host agrees, can accommodate everyone and any animals, and can be reached by your available vehicles. Select a backup destination in a different direction or area in case the first is affected, inaccessible, or full.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Write full addresses, contact details, access instructions, and any restrictions for both destinations. Include a place that can accept assistance animals or pets if they are travelling with you. The backup is a real alternative, not merely “somewhere safe.”
Primary and alternate routes
Map a primary route and at least one alternate route to each destination. Note fuel stops, gates, bridges, steep or narrow sections, and places where a vehicle could turn around. Keep paper directions with the emergency kit in case a phone is unavailable or its battery is depleted.
When you are ready to leave, check current emergency and traffic information. A route selected during quiet conditions may be closed, smoky, congested, or within the fire area. NSW Government points households to local alerts and ABC radio; CFA’s planning guidance also requires a safe destination and a backup plan. Current official information overrides the route written in your plan.
3. Assign tasks and communications
Make every responsibility specific
List a named person and a backup for each job. Useful assignments include:
- Gathering children, older people, or anyone needing assistance.
- Collecting medications, mobility devices, communication aids, and essential documents.
- Handling pets and assistance animals, including carriers, leads, food, and water.
- Checking rooms, bathrooms, sheds, and outdoor areas so everyone is accounted for.
- Loading the vehicle and confirming that every person and animal is inside before departure.
- Closing or securing the property only if doing so does not delay departure or create danger.
Give each person a short written checklist. Do not assign a task that forces someone to stay behind or return to a dangerous area. Early departure takes priority over recovering possessions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose a contact outside the immediate household
Tell a trusted relative or friend where you intend to go and how you will report your arrival. NSW RFS leave guidance emphasises accounting for household members and pets and telling a relative or friend the destination. Record that contact’s name and more than one phone number in the plan and in the emergency kit.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Agree on what happens if people arrive separately. For example, the first vehicle can continue to the destination while the contact keeps a list of who has arrived. Do not publish your travel details publicly; share them with the chosen contact and relevant support people.
4. Prepare an emergency kit before fire season
Store the kit in a waterproof container or another accessible place known to everyone. It should be possible to grab it quickly without searching through a shed or attic. Keep critical medication, assistive devices, phones, and chargers where they can be added immediately.
Core equipment
| Item | Purpose or official guidance |
|---|---|
| Portable battery-operated radio | NSW RFS includes one for receiving information if other channels are unavailable. |
| Waterproof torch and spare batteries | Provides light during evacuation or a power outage; keep spare batteries with it. |
| First-aid kit and manual | Use a stocked kit and include the manual listed in NSW RFS emergency-kit advice. |
| Emergency contact numbers | Keep printed numbers for household members, the agreed contact, medical providers, destinations, and local emergency services. |
| Waterproof document pouch | Protect identification, insurance and medical information, property details, and other important records. |
| Phone and charger | Pack the phone, charging cable, and any battery pack you normally rely on. |
Personal supplies for at least three days
CFA advises planning what household members and pets need for at least three days. Before departure, add clothing, toiletries, food, infant supplies, special-needs items, medications, and documents. NSW RFS recommends “at least three litres per person per day” of drinking water in its leave-kit advice. This is an agency recommendation for drinking water, not a study result or a guarantee that one quantity suits every climate, medical condition, or journey. Carry additional water when local authorities or your circumstances require it.
Keep prescriptions, glasses, hearing-device batteries, continence supplies, and essential medical information together. Back up important documents as CFA recommends, but retain a usable offline copy in the waterproof pouch.
Vehicle loading order
- Place the kit, water, medications, documents, and communication equipment where they can be reached without unloading the vehicle.
- Load mobility equipment and other items that a person cannot travel without.
- Secure children’s equipment and seat everyone according to the vehicle and restraint requirements that apply to you.
- Load pet carriers, leads, food, and water so animals cannot escape while doors or boots are opened.
- Check fuel, tyres, lights, and the planned route before leaving; use current official road information.
5. Plan for children, older adults, disability, and health needs
For each person needing extra support, record mobility, communication, cognitive, sensory, and medical requirements. Note medication names and schedules, prescriber or carer contacts, allergies, equipment, and the person who can provide assistance. Keep medicines and assistive devices in the vehicle rather than in a room that might be inaccessible during a fast departure.
Arrange transport that can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment, service animals, or other aids. Ask a trusted support person to be the backup driver or carer. Include a familiar comfort item and a simple explanation of the plan for children or anyone who becomes distressed under pressure.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
NSW RFS says higher-risk groups should always leave early. CFA provides planning material for people with additional needs and recommends preparing an emergency bag in advance. Do not ask a person with limited mobility, a child, or an older adult to remain while another household member completes a task.
6. Include pets and assistance animals
Decide where animals will go
Confirm that the primary and backup destinations accept your animals. If a destination cannot, identify another safe location and the transport needed to reach it. Decide which person catches each animal, who carries the supplies, and how animals are checked off before departure.
Build an animal kit
CFA’s pet guidance identifies these useful supplies:
- Food and drinking water, with bowls.
- Collar, lead, harness, and a carrier or crate where needed.
- Pet first-aid supplies and prescribed medication.
- Current identification, health records, and veterinarian details.
- Familiar bedding or toys to reduce stress.
- Cleaning supplies and waste bags.
Keep identification current and practise getting each animal into its carrier or vehicle. Never stay home or return for a pet if doing so places a person’s life in danger. Human safety takes priority; arrange the animal plan so leaving does not depend on a last-minute rescue.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Monitor official information
Use the fire danger ratings, warnings, emergency-service channels, and road information for your jurisdiction. NSW Government identifies Hazards Near Me NSW, RFS information, and local ABC radio as examples. Victoria’s CFA plan directs people to VicEmergency. These are state-specific examples, not a single national app recommendation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCheck information before a forecast high-risk day, again when a fire is reported, and immediately before travelling. Confirm both the destination and route. If information conflicts, follow the current direction from the relevant emergency service and do not wait for every household member to agree once the agreed trigger has been met.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
8. Practise and review the plan
Run a household drill
CFA advises practising household roles and loading the car. Walk through the plan before fire season: sound the alert, collect the kit, secure children and animals, load the vehicle, account for everyone, and identify the departure time. Practise the alternate route only when conditions are safe and current road rules permit it.
After the drill, fix practical failures. A carrier that does not fit, a missing medication, an inaccessible document pouch, or a child who cannot reach the vehicle is a plan defect, not a minor inconvenience.
Review before every fire season and after changes
Update the plan when someone moves, a child starts school, a person’s health or mobility changes, a pet joins the household, a vehicle changes, or a destination becomes unavailable. Replace expired batteries, food, medication, and water. Reconfirm the support contact and destination hosts.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
CFA’s planning process calls for ongoing practice and review. NSW Government’s online My Fire Plan is described as taking 15 minutes on its page; that is the page’s stated estimate, not an independently verified preparation time. Use the tool or a written plan, then add the household-specific details that a generic form cannot know.
A decision checklist for leaving
Use this checklist while conditions are still safe:
- Has the agreed leaving trigger been reached, or have emergency services directed you to act?
- Is everyone accounted for, including children, dependants, and animals?
- Are medications, mobility aids, documents, phones, chargers, water, and the emergency kit loaded?
- Can the primary destination and route currently be reached safely?
- Has the backup destination or route been checked if the primary option is affected?
- Has the trusted contact been told where the household is going?
- Have you left before fire, smoke, or road conditions make travel dangerous?
If the primary option is no longer safe, use the current official direction and the backup plan. Do not delay departure to collect non-essential property or to return for an animal.
Common planning mistakes and corrections
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Waiting for an official warning before deciding. | Set a trigger in advance; NSW says you do not need to wait for a warning to leave. |
| Treating a saved route as permanently safe. | Check current road and emergency information when leaving. |
| Keeping the kit somewhere only one person knows. | Store it in an accessible, waterproof location and show everyone where it is. |
| Leaving pets out of the transport plan. | Assign an animal handler, carrier, supplies, destination, and backup destination. |
| Assuming a person with additional needs can leave without extra time. | Arrange transport, medication, equipment, and a backup helper; leave early. |
| Relying only on a phone. | Keep printed contacts, paper directions, a portable battery radio, torch, and spare batteries. |
| Practising only the conversation. | Practise loading the car, handling pets, accounting for people, and using the alternate plan. |
State-specific starting points
For NSW, start with the NSW Government household-plan guidance at Make your household bushfire plan, the NSW RFS Emergency survival kit advice, and Prepare yourself and family. NSW risk and travel information is available at Understand your risk of bushfires.
For Victoria, use CFA’s Bushfire plan, Make your fire plan, Pets and bushfires, and What to take with you. Residents and travellers elsewhere in Australia should use their state or territory fire and emergency-management agency for the equivalent warnings, apps, evacuation centres, and road information.
Quick Recap
One-page household plan template
| Plan field | Write your household’s answer |
|---|---|
| Leaving trigger and decision-maker | State the conditions and the person authorised to decide. |
| Primary destination | Full address, host, phone, access details, and animal arrangements. |
| Backup destination | Full address, host, phone, access details, and animal arrangements. |
| Primary route | Route, hazards, fuel point, and current-information source. |
| Backup route | Alternative route and conditions that make it preferable. |
| Household roles | Names for children, dependants, medications, documents, pets, loading, and headcount. |
| Support contact | Name, phone numbers, and when to report arrival. |
| Special needs | Medicines, equipment, transport, communication, and backup helper. |
| Kit location | Where the waterproof kit, water, documents, and pet supplies are stored. |
| Review date | Date before each fire season and after any household change. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
