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 Australians are planning a trip to regional areas over the holidays.
The research captured by the NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker (the Tracker) found that despite high levels of concern about bushfire and grassfire risk this season, 57 per cent of travelling Aussies won’t be monitoring weather conditions or severe weather alerts at their destination.
The Tracker also revealed that only 19 per cent of 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 5286 claims for wild weather during 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 with 4636 home claims – over one third of these claims resulting from 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.”
The research also showed that Aussies aren’t considering the risk of leaving their properties vacant these holidays, with less than 29 per cent 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,” said Ms Major.
Those travelling as a family are also unprepared for wild weather risks, with over 40 per cent 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.
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.
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
