What do I do if I’m on holiday and there’s a bushfire nearby?
If your holiday destination is affected by a bushfire, we can help you stay safe and feel supported. It’s what we do best!
Source: Getty
Do you love laying poolside or on a beach, soaking up the sun on holiday? If so, you’re likely one of many Aussies who find holidays filled with sunshine and warmth absolutely irresistible.
While destinations that deliver hot, dry weather can make for a great holiday spot, they're also sometimes prone to bushfires during the warmer months.
We don’t want to put you off visiting lovely, warm destinations (hello, Greece, Hawaii or even local Aussie spots). What we do want to do is help you understand what to do in a bushfire before you set off, so you can stay calm if you get caught up in bushfire smoke or flames during your trip.
"Knowing what to do in a bushfire when you're on holidays can make all the difference.
“Before you leave home, check news or government websites to see if bushfire smoke or flames are affecting your destination. If so – or if there’s potential for a bushfire in the area – you should also speak to your accommodation provider about an evacuation plan upon arrival. They’ll know where to go for safety and the signs to look out for.
“If your destination is affected by a bushfire, do your best to stay calm. That way, you can protect yourself and follow instructions from the local authorities."
Rodger Cook, Cover-More’s General Manager of Global Security
Do you need our help right now?
Our 24/7 emergency assistance team is standing by. Here are two ways you can reach us:
- Tap the emergency assistance button in our Cover-More app.
- Call +61 2 8907 5619 from anywhere in the world.
Not sure what to do in a bushfire? Worried about bushfire smoke or flames near where you’re holidaying? We’ll share some steps to help you understand how to stay safe, what to do and where to go for help. We’re here for you.
5 steps to take if you’re on holidays near bushfire smoke or flames
- Stay calm and stay informed.
- Call our 24/7 emergency assistance team.
- Pack and prepare in case of evacuation.
- Follow evacuation procedures and move to a safer location.
- File a travel insurance claim.
Step 1: Stay calm and stay informed
We know you might feel scared or anxious right now. And it might sound easier said than done, but it’s really important to stay calm if you’re near bushfire smoke or flames on your holiday. Staying calm is the key to staying safe.
Making sure you’re across all the latest information about the bushfire can help. It’s a great way to feel a bit more in control of the situation, and it’s less likely you’ll panic and make a bad decision.
The local authorities are your best resources for finding out what to do in a bushfire. Police, firefighters and national park staff will know the area, evacuation corridors, and mustering points. It’s a good idea to follow the social media accounts of local authorities or national park services for real-time safety alerts. You could also sign up for emergency notifications on your phone.
It’s also smart to frequently check local TV and radio news stations and weather apps for the latest information. This could include the bushfire’s direction, speed, and anticipated movements, as well as updates on air quality. Being informed will help you make safe decisions if you have to act quickly.
Good to know: As a Cover-More traveller, you’ll have access to our Cover-More app. It has the phone numbers for local authorities at your destination. Plus, if you share your location with us, you’ll also get real-time safety alerts that could help you know what to do in a bushfire to get to safety.
Step 2: Call our 24/7 emergency assistance team
If you’re a Cover-More traveller, our 24/7 emergency assistance team is standing by to support you. It doesn’t matter if you’re just a bit nervous about the bushfire smoke or if you need to evacuate because of a bushfire. When you need us, just tap the assistance icon in our Cover-More app or call +61 2 8907 5619 from anywhere in the world.
If you need medical care because you’ve been affected by bushfire smoke or flames on your holiday, we can help you access either in-person or telehealth medical care. We’re also here to help explain your travel insurance cover for bushfire-related scenarios if you’d like to file a claim.
Step 3: Pack and prepare in case of evacuation
If there’s bushfire smoke nearby, the local authorities will usually tell you when to stay put or evacuate. Get ahead of the situation by being ready for a potential evacuation, should it come. Being ready will help you feel more in control so you can hopefully keep enjoying your holiday. Keep your belongings packed and ready to go at your accommodation. If you’re travelling with others, make an action plan together that you all understand and agree on.
If it’s not possible to keep all your belongings packed, prepare a go-bag with essentials like your ID, passport, medications, cash, and basic toiletries. You may also want to pack snacks, water bottles, a portable phone charger, and a first-aid kit.
If you’re staying in a hotel, hostel or campsite, make sure you understand its evacuation procedure. Speak to the staff and ask about a transport plan so you know how to evacuate. If you’re driving your own vehicle or a rental vehicle, make sure it has plenty of fuel, and find out the quickest routes to safety.
Good to know: What do you do if bushfire smoke pollutes the air before you evacuate? Follow these steps to stay healthier:
- Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed, especially if you have breathing issues.
- If there’s an air conditioner, use it to filter the air.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- If you have to go outside, wear a N95 mask if you’ve got one handy.
- Follow the local air quality updates. Consider moving to an area with cleaner air if conditions get worse.
Step 4: Follow evacuation procedures and move to a safer location
If bushfire smoke or flames are approaching your destination fast, local authorities may order an evacuation. We know this might be stressful and overwhelming, but you’ve got this. Plus, it’s important to follow all evacuation procedures calmly and quickly to help you and your loved ones stay safe.
When it’s time, grab your pre-packed bags. Make sure everyone in your travel group is with you, ready to go, and know the plan.
Use the safest and quickest evacuation route suggested by the local authorities, steering clear of smoky areas as much as possible. Once you arrive at a designated safe location, check in with friends or family to let them know you're okay. Look out for others that might also be there, especially more vulnerable travellers. It’s bound to be an unnerving situation for both holidaymakers and locals affected by the fire, so stick together.
Continue to follow the advice of the local authorities; this could be returning to your holiday spot if it’s safe to do so, moving to another destination, or returning home. Don’t forget, we’re here to help if you need us, so contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team at any time.
Step 5: File a travel insurance claim
If bushfire smoke or a bushfire affects your trip, you might end up having to change your plans to make sure you stay safe. It can be a hassle, we know, but safety should be your priority. This could include booking a room at a different hotel, taking transport to another area, or returning home with damaged luggage. Or it could even mean you have to cancel the rest of the trip.
We know this can be stressful. But, here’s the good news: we may be able to help our Cover-More travellers with costs related to the bushfire. You'll find more about this in our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). If you still have questions, jump on a call with our customer service team on 1300 72 88 22 – they’ll be happy to talk you through it.
Ready to file your travel insurance claim? Collect documents such as receipts, proof of loss, and medical bills to submit with your claim. Then, file a claim online or with our claims team, who are waiting for your call on 1300 36 26 44.
Be a smart traveller: know what to do in other holiday situations
From emergencies to less urgent travel issues, our 24/7 emergency assistance team can help you in all sorts of holiday mishaps beyond bushfires.
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Feel extra informed and safe with our Cover-More app
Have our emergency assistance team at your fingertips with our Cover-More app. Plus, our app makes it easy to stay updated with real-time safety alerts, destination information, potential risks, and more. It’s a top-notch travel companion whether you’re experiencing good times or not-so-good times.
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