Millions of Aussies set to holiday in regional Australia this summer amid high bushfire concern
Australians are being encouraged to prepare for wild weather risks while holidaying this summer, as new research from NRMA Insurance reveals more than four million Aussies[i] are planning a trip to regional areas over the holidays.
The research[ii] features in the spring edition of the NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker (the Tracker) and found that despite high levels of concern about bushfire and grassfire risk this season[iii], more than half (57%) of travelling Aussies won't be monitoring weather conditions or severe weather alerts at their destination.
It also revealed that only one in five (19%) holidaymakers travelling by car will familiarise themselves with the drive ahead of time, despite this being an important way to better understand the local roads and evacuation routes in regional locations.
NRMA Insurance received 5,286 claims for wild weather this past spring, with severe thunderstorms, hail, flash flooding and bushfires impacting wide parts of the country. Damage to homes made up the majority of wild weather claims (4,636 home claims), with over one third of these claims the result of severe weather.
NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Claims Natalie Major is encouraging all holidaymakers to plan ahead and take simple steps to keep their families and homes safe this summer.
"With millions of Aussies planning a trip to regional Australia - including locations that can be prone to severe weather such as bushfires, cyclones or flash flooding - it's essential that people think ahead about how they can protect themselves and loved ones while away," Ms Major said.
"If you are travelling to an unfamiliar destination, it's important to know the local weather risks, identify alternative routes in and out of your location and keep an eye on conditions, given how quickly wild weather and fires can arise."Natalie Major
NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Claims
The research also showed that Aussies aren't considering the risk of leaving their properties vacant these holidays, with less than a third (29%) planning to take any steps to prepare their property in case wild weather strikes while they are away.
"Holidaymakers also need to be thinking about preparing their home while they are away as wild weather can strike with little warning and no one may be around to protect against the unexpected. There are simple steps you can take now such as clearing gutters, trimming branches and securing loose items around your yard," continued Ms Major.
"If you live in an area that could be impacted by a grassfire or bushfire it's particularly important to get rid of debris and move flammable items away from your home."
Those travelling as a family are also unprepared for wild weather risks, with over 40% of parents stating they hadn't discussed a meeting place with their kids and don't plan to pack an emergency kit containing essential supplies for their children.
"We urge parents to speak with their kids about how to respond should an emergency happen while on holiday, including a safe place for everyone to meet, and to pack an emergency kit catered to their family's needs," Ms Major said.
"Knowing the risk you face, preparing your property and talking to the ones you love about what to do if trouble strikes not only protects you - it also helps protect your neighbours and community as well."Natalie Major
NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Claims Natalie Major
The Tracker is part of Help Nation - an initiative created by NRMA Insurance that helps unite people, communities and organisations to prepare for extreme weather and know their local risks. Get prepared for extreme weather this summer by visiting: nrma.com.au/helpnation.
NRMA Insurance's tips for preparing for wild weather this summer:
- Know your local risk. If you are travelling to an unfamiliar destination, make sure you know alternative routes in and out of your location.
- Monitor wild weather conditions. Download the Fires Near Me Australia app on iOS or Android or in NSW the Hazards Near Me app.
- Pack an emergency kit. If you have children, make sure it caters to their needs.
- Prepare your home before you leave. Clear gutters, shut windows and move potentially flammable items such as boats, cars and surfboards away from your home.
- Visit the NRMA Insurance Help Nation website for resources and information to understand your local risks and prepare for extreme weather: nrma.com.au/helpnation
[i] 24% of survey respondents who reside in metropolitan cities said they were planning a holiday to regional or rural Australia this summer.
[ii] Online research of 3,500 Australians across NSW (1,000), QLD (1,000), the ACT (500), SA (500) and WA (500) - conducted on behalf of NRMA Insurance by PureProfile in November 2023.
[iii] The majority of survey respondents said they were worried (50%) or very worried (12%) about being impacted by a bush or grassfire this summer.
