RACV encourages holidaymakers to prepare for bushfire safety

RACV is urging Victorian holidaymakers to prepare for bushfire safety ahead of the summer holiday period, including checking they are adequately insured for home and motor insurance, as well as for caravan and trailer insurance.

RACV Head of Home and Business Insurance Kirsty Hayes encouraged people to be prepared and informed about any possible fire risks related to their travel route and at their holiday destination.

“It is essential to prepare for travelling safely to your holiday destination and make sure you are familiar with the risks for that location,” Ms Hayes said.

“Check the Fire Danger Rating for not only your destination but for the route you are travelling on – grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km/hr and jump highways.

“You need to make sure you’ve adequately insured your home and your vehicles whilst you are on holidays, so make sure you have reviewed your protection to ensure you are appropriately insured in the event of a fire.

“Caravan and trailer insurance are not just needed when towing your caravan, but also when you are onsite at a caravan park.”

RACV has outlined the following advice for holidaymakers:

Preparing for bushfire safety

• Plan on how and where to evacuate to in the event you need to leave.
• Download the VicEmergency app for real-time emergency information and warnings: https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• Listen to local radio for warnings and advice when you’re on the road or by listening to an emergency broadcaster.
• Make sure you check the Fire Danger Rating for not only your destination but for the route you are travelling on.
• On Extreme Fire Danger Rating days, reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas.
• Consider packing an Emergency Kit with essential items and keep it in your car if possible – items such as a First Aid kit, water, fire extinguisher, fire blanket and woollen blanket are important to pack.

Check your insurance policies are up to date

• Being prepared for severe weather events also includes making sure your home, motor, caravan and trailer insurance is current and sufficient in the event you need to make a claim.
• Read your policy Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). This document gives you a full list of the conditions, limits and exclusions associated with your home, motor, caravan and trailer insurance policy.
• Check your insurance policy limits, what optional extras are available to you, your renewal date and any other information you’re unsure about.

For more information about caravan and trailer insurance, visit the RACV website.

You can also visit the CFA website for tips on staying safe when travelling.