Queenslanders are being reminded to put safety at the forefront these Easter school holidays by knowing their holiday address and what steps to take in the event of an emergency.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach said while school holidays were traditionally a busy time for emergency services personnel responding to structure fires and road crash rescues, recent severe weather presented an added risk.

“For families to enjoy their holidays safely, it is critical to know their location and what steps to take if they require emergency assistance,” Mr Leach said.

“We have seen challenging conditions this severe weather season, which has impacted roads and changed landscapes. 

“It is important for everyone to be aware of the risks and to always have a plan in place.”

Last year, Fire Communication Officers took more than 1,400 Triple Zero (000) calls during the Easter school holiday period.

Mr Leach said it was not uncommon for holidaymakers to forget their location during the stress of an emergency, particularly while camping or travelling in remote locations.

“Every second counts in an emergency,” he said.

“When you are sure of your exact location, valuable minutes can be cut off emergency response times, potentially saving your life.

“If you are camping on the beach or in a remote area, make sure to take note of details like beach access numbers and have the information on hand at all times.”

Mr Leach encouraged anyone travelling in Queensland to download the free Emergency+ app, which provides critical location details using GPS functionality. 

The free Emergency+ app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit qfes.qld.gov.au/safety-education/travelling-in-queensland.