Some fires may start and spread so quickly there is little time for a warning, police say. There are not enough fire trucks for every house. If you call for help, you may not get it. Do not expect a firetruck, the police warn. Do not expect a knock on the door. Do not expect a phone call. What are 'catastrophic' fire conditions? The NSW Rural Fire Service advises that in catastrophic fire conditions:

You should leave bushfire prone areas the night before or early in the day – do not just wait and see what happens.

Make a decision about when you will leave, where you will go, how you will get there and when you will return.

Homes are not designed to withstand fires in catastrophic conditions so you should leave early. What does it mean when a 'state of emergency' is declared? NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a state of emergency on Monday, granting emergency powers to the RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. These powers include the ability to: Direct any government agency to conduct or refrain from conducting its functions.

Control and co-ordinate the allocation of government resources.

Evacuate people from property within the declared area.

Close roads and thoroughfares to traffic.

Pull down or shore up infrastructure at risk of collapse.

Order the shutdown of essential utilities in the declared area including electricity, gas, oil and water.

Enter or take possession of property in the course of the emergency response. Know your risk

While extreme conditions are forecast across virtually all of eastern NSW, some homes are particularly at risk. The Rural Fire Service says these include: Areas close to or surrounded by bush.

Areas where grasslands meet built-up areas or homes.

Along the coast near scrub.

Houses on a farm or near paddocks.

Homes at the top of a hill (fires travel uphill faster). What should you do if you have health problems? The police advise that those with special needs, such as the elderly and those with a disability, should always leave before the threat of bushfire. If you’re preparing to leave, make sure you pack your medications, including those in the fridge.

Smoke can cause health problems, particularly for those with pre-existing lung and heart conditions such as asthma, emphysema, angina or heart failure. Tuesday's fire danger. Credit:NSW Rural Fire Service Avoid outdoor physical activity if it’s smoky, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition. People with asthma should follow their asthma management plans. If you have asthma, make sure you keep your reliever medication close to hand. If your reliever medication has run out or is passed its use-by date, you can buy a new one from a pharmacy without a prescription.

You can reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors with the doors and windows shut. Airconditioning can help to filter out smoke that gets into your house. This link contains a fact sheet with information about what to do if fire retardants have been used on your property and may have affected your private drinking water supply. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/fire-retardants.aspx Bushfire survival plan Residents are advised to have a bushfire survival plan in place in the event of an emergency such as these catastrophic fire conditions. This plan includes staying up-to-date with alerts in your area, as well as having a discussion with the members of your household in advance about what to do in the event of a bushfire, including:

When you will leave.

Where you will go.

How you will get there.

What you will take.

Who you will call to say that you are leaving and that you have arrived safely.

What your back-up plan is. Loading Neighbourhood safe places are a last resort, such as a sports ground or building that has been specially identified for use during a fire. A list of such places in your area can be found on the RFS website. Must I really leave my home on Tuesday? The RFS advises that residents in areas of catastrophic fire danger, such as Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter, should avoid bushfire prone areas. They recommend relocating to a safer place, such as a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from bushland areas.

If you do live in a high-risk area and own pets, you may also want to consider moving them to a safer location. The RFS suggests consulting your local council, Department of Primary Industries or the RSPCA for information on animal refuges close to your area. What should you put in your emergency kit? The NSW Rural Fire Service suggests: Waterproof torch.

Spare batteries.

First aid kit with manual.

Candles with waterproof matches.

Woollen blankets.

Emergency contact numbers.

Waterproof bag for valuables.

Before you leave, you should add: Cash, ATM cards, credit cards.

Medications, toiletries and sanitary supplies.

Special requirements for infants, elderly, injured, disabled.

Mobile phone and charger.

Combination pocket knife.

Important documents, valuables and photos (in a waterproof bag).

Change of clothes for everyone.

Drinking water (at least three litres per person per day). Animals Include your animals in your bushfire plan, police say. If you can, take your animals with you. Assistance from the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area is available if you attend an evacuation centre.

For those impacted and seeking assistance for emergency fodder, emergency water (for immediate animal welfare cases only) or animal assessment (resulting from the fires) contact the AASFA Hotline on 1800 814 647. Transport Motorists should delay all non-essential travel, police say. Many roads remain closed due to bushfires. Be prepared for conditions to change quickly and roads to close suddenly. If you need to travel, also make sure you’ve got water, food, supplies and a full tank of fuel. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before you set out.