It’s very important to research the places you plan to visit to understand the types of emergencies that you may face. Listen to local warnings and advice to stay safe as the environments you are travelling through may be very different than at home.

Before your trip

• Plan out the route you will be taking on your trip and download or purchase maps.
• Check the weather conditions for the areas you will be travelling in, including the fire danger ratings and severe weather predictions. Be prepared to change your plans if conditions change.
• Let a friend or family member know where you will be travelling and keep them up to date if your plans change.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and serviced for your trip. Check your lights work and your windscreen is clear.
• Pack a vehicle emergency kit and include:
  • Wool blankets
  • First aid kit
  • Protective clothing
  • Drinking water
  • Torch
  • Battery operated radio, and
  • Spare batteries.
• Check your tyres are appropriately inflated and have good tread. Make sure to check your spare tyre too.
• Check any fire safety equipment such as fire blankets, and extinguishers are in good working condition and make sure you know how to use them
• If you are travelling in a caravan or motorhome, test your smoke alarm is working correctly.
• Check that all gas cylinders are turned off and secured.
• Secure loose items inside your vehicle, caravan and / or motorhome for travelling.
• Label any chemicals and securely store them away from access by children.
• Check your vehicle insurance policy is current and that it provides suitable cover for your trip. Consider including the belongings you are travelling with.
• If you are hiring a vehicle, be aware of what is and is not included in your agreement. Take photos of the vehicle before you leave.
• Charge your phone and pack your phone charger. Consider travelling with a portable power bank to keep your phone battery charged.
• If you are travelling during bushfire season, prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan so you know what to do and where to go in an emergency.
• Consider if you need roadside assistance coverage.

Make your next trip fire safe by following these vital steps:

Smoke alarms

• From 1 July 2024, all registered caravans or motorhomes whose registration is commencing or transferred must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.
• From 1 January 2027, all other registered caravans and motorhomes must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.
• QFD recommends unregistered caravans and motorhomes, as well as mobile homes, have a working smoke alarm installed to give occupants early warning of fire.
• Caravan-specific smoke alarms are available from hardware stores.
• The smoke alarm must be powered by a 10-year non-removable battery.
• You can install battery-powered photoelectric smoke alarms yourself - they do not require an electrician.
• You can place the smoke alarm anywhere on the ceiling but QFD recommends placing it near where the bed is. If you sleep in the annexe you can also place one there.
• The smoke alarm should meet Australian Standard 3786-2014.
• Failture to comply with the requirements is an offence with a maximum penalty of five (5) penalty units (currently $774).

Escape plan

• Prepare an escape plan in case of emergencies.
• Make sure you know where escape windows and hatches are and how they work - keep them and all doors clear of obstructions.

Fire safety equipment

• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket. Locate them near an exit where they are easily accessible and where escape is also an option.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are charged, inspected, and regularly serviced.
• Check electrical appliances for frayed cords and any other visible damage. Repair or dispose of the appliance.
• Test the safety switch before each trip.

Gas cylinders

• Turn off all gas cylinders while the caravan is being towed or the mobile home engine is on.
• Keep gas cylinders outside unless a properly designed storage cupboard has been fitted.
• Turn off all appliances not being used before going to bed.
• Gas cylinders, pipes and fittings should be checked regularly, particularly after driving on country roads.

Storage

• Store all clothes and bedding well away from the kitchen area.
• Store all flammable liquids outside the caravan or mobile home.
• Make sure the extension lead for connecting the electrical supply to your caravan or motor home is in good condition and a suitable size for the current load.
• Replace any damaged cords immediately.

Download the Information Sheet and Safety Checklist for Caravans and Motorhomes. 

• Always avoid travelling in areas where bushfires are burning, or storms, flooding and cyclones are predicted.
• Stay alert and drive to conditions:
  • Fog and heavy rain can make it difficult to see.
  • Smoke from bushfires often crosses roads and highways and can reduce visibility.
• Follow advice given by police and emergency services personnel if roads are closed. Information on road closures and road works is available at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
• Do not drive into flood water:
  • Flood water can hide dangers such as washed away sections of road.
  • The unpredictable strength and depth of underwater currents could easily cause your vehicle to float away.
  • Remember if it’s flooded forget it 
• Listen for alerts and warnings. Stay tuned to local radio stations for weather and emergency updates in the area.
  • Find the local ABC Radio Station 
  • Find the local commercial radio station 
  • Our Facebook 
  • Our Twitter

Campsite Tips

• If you are camping in a national park, check to see if you need a permit to camp or light fires. Park alerts, including fire bans, for national parks in Queensland can be accessed at www.parks.desi.qld.gov.au.
• Pick a cleared space with good access and escape routes.
• Avoid camping in dry riverbeds, under large trees that may drop branches and areas prone to flooding, high winds, or bushfires.
• Check the area for any hazards before setting up. Look for previous campfires covered with sand or dirt, and rubbish (broken glass or cans) left by previous campers.
• Check the weather forecast for your location and tune into local radio stations to stay up to date with conditions.
• If there are strong winds in the area, make sure to tie down your tent, caravan, or mobile home and secure any loose items around your campsite.
• Don’t cook or smoke in tents. Never leave your cooking unattended.
• Make sure tea towels and other flammable items are kept away from cooking appliances and heat sources such as gas stoves, heaters, and campfires.

Campfire Tips

Before lighting a fire, check for fire bans or restrictions in your area. In Queensland, during a fire ban, you cannot use an open fire for cooking or warmth. You can however use a gas or electric barbecue for cooking.

• Make sure your campfire is a safe distance from tents and other camping equipment, especially flammable items such as gas cylinders and fuel cans.
• Light your campfire in a cleared area, free of long grass, scrub and overhanging branches.
• Use an existing barbecue pit or build a surround out of large rocks where possible.
• Never use any kind of flammable liquid on a fire; even when you are trying to get it started.
• Monitor the campfire at all times. Do not leave a fire burning overnight.
• Have a water source ready to extinguish the fire. Always use water to extinguish your fire, never sand or dirt.

For more information, read the Campfire and Camping Safety Information Sheet or visit the National Parks Website. 

Bushfires move fast, can pose a serious threat to life and can be highly destructive. If bushfires are burning in the places you hope to travel to or are already travelling through, you should work out a new route so you can avoid the affected areas. You may be able to return to your original travel route in a few days if the conditions change.

The Bureau of Meteorology in consultation with us publishes the fire danger ratings for Queensland as an early indicator of the potential fire danger. This information can help you plan your travel during periods of high fire danger.

During bushfire season, stay informed and familiarise yourself with the official Bushfire Warning system 

Where to go if there are bushfires

The safest option for your survival is to avoid travelling in areas where bushfires are burning. Adjust your travel plans. You may be able to return to the area once the threat has passed.

If you are travelling during Queensland’s bushfire season, you need to be prepared to change your plans at short notice to avoid any dangers.

If you are unable to leave an area, as a last resort, you may be able to seek shelter at a neighbourhood safer place. Some areas in Queensland have identified a neighbourhood safer place – an open space or building where people may gather, as a last resort, to seek shelter from a bushfire.

If you’re caught in the path of a bushfire

Bushfires can occur without warning and can quickly affect your travel plans. Plan for the unexpected by considering alternatives, like different travel routes. If you find yourself caught in the path of a bushfire, perform a U-turn and drive to safety. If time permits, notify the fire brigade of your location by phoning Triple Zero (000).

If you can’t escape the path of the fire:

• Pull over to the side of the road and park in a clear area away from trees with the vehicle facing the fire front.
• Stay with your vehicle - do not get out and run.
• Leave the engine running and turn on your vehicle headlights and hazards.
• Close all vents and windows, cover yourself with a woollen blanket and shelter below the window level.
• Drink water to stay hydrated.
• Once the fire front passes, get out of the vehicle and check for burning fires. Don’t attempt to move the vehicle until it is safe to do so.

Cyclones and severe storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, hail, and flooding which may affect your travel plans. When travelling stay aware of weather forecasts for the areas you plan to visit. Stay up to date by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology website or listening to local radio for up-to-date forecasts and warnings.

When severe weather threatens

• Tune into local radio stations for storm warnings and updates.
• Tie down your caravan, motorhome or tent securely.
• Park vehicles under a solid shelter, or cover with firmly tied tarps or blankets. Apply the brake and chock your wheels. Avoid parking under trees.
• Shelter and secure pets and animals.
• Put all of your equipment inside including annexes, bikes, chairs and any loose items that could blow around in strong winds.
• Put valuables, medications and spare warm clothing in plastic bags with your vehicle emergency kit.
• Seek shelter under a established structure or in a hard top vehicle. Avoid small open structures or fabric tents. Never shelter in an open space or under trees.
• If driving, don’t drive into water flowing over roads. There may be strong undercurrents that could sweep your vehicle away or hazards hidden under the water. Remember if it’s flooded forget it. 

If you’re caught outdoors in severe weather

• Don’t drive, walk, ride or swim through flood waters. Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it.
• If driving, stop clear of trees, powerlines, and creeks.
• Seek shelter immediately in an established structure or a hard top vehicle. If sheltering in a vehicle, keep hands away from the doors and turn off electrical equipment.
• In case of lightning strike, stay well clear of metal poles, fences, clotheslines. Don’t handle items such as fishing rods, umbrellas, and golf clubs.
• If you are caught far from shelter, move away from higher ground and crouch alone with your feet together and your head low.
• Remove metal objects from your person.
• Stay sheltered until 30 minutes after the last thunder clap is heard.
• Avoid travelling in open vehicles, riding horses or bicycles.
• If you are in the water swimming, surfing, canoeing, immediately head to land and seek shelter.
• Keep well away from fallen power lines. Report fallen power lines to Energex (for south east Queensland) by calling 13 19 62 or Ergon Energy by calling 13 16 70. To report life threatening emergencies including shocks or tingles from lighting strikes call Triple Zero (000).

• Know your limits and be realistic about your physical abilities and skills. Choose walking tracks based upon the abilities of your groups slowest walker.
• Before you leave, know what to do in case of extreme weather events such as storms, cyclones, bushfires and floods.
• Avoid bushwalking on days with a high to catastrophic fire danger ratings or when storms, heatwaves, and severe weather are predicted.
• Tell someone where you plan to go and who is going with you. Let them know when you return safely.
• Note features on your map that may be a safe place to seek shelter from severe weather or fire. Maintain your navigation so you always know where you are.
• Consider carrying a global positioning system (GPS) device and personal locator beacon to assist emergency services in locating you if necessary.
• Walk in pairs or small groups. If someone is injured, the others can provide assistance.
• Carry sufficient water, food and first aid supplies.
• Stay on marked tracks and follow directional signs carefully. Obey all signage. Do not climb under or over barriers to “get a good photo”. These are in place for your safety.
• Take a fully charged mobile phone.
• Wear clothing appropriate to the climate including sturdy shoes and a hat. Consider wearing clothing that will protect you in radiant heat if you are caught during a bushfire.

Visit www.parks.desi.qld.gov.au for more information on outdoors safety.

If you become lost while bushwalking:

• Stop. Don’t panic and don’t rush to make a decision.
• Stay where you are and do not move.
• Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for the police. Provide your location in latitude and longitude if possible or describe landmarks. Give details if you are injured or hurt.
• If you have limited phone reception, send a message to a friend and ask them to call Triple Zero (000).
• If there’s no phone reception, activate your Personal Locator Beacon and keep it active.
• Once you’ve called for help, stay put. Don’t move from your location.
• Make yourself visible from the air by laying out brightly coloured clothing, tents or reflective material.

If you are caught in the path of a bushfire:

• Call Triple Zero (000).
• Don’t panic and try to outrun the fire. If you see smoke, turn back or find an alternate route.
• Head for natural fire breaks such as clearings, rocky areas, streams or roads.
• Keep away from high ground in the fire path and shelter behind a solid object such as a rock to protect yourself from radiant heat.
• Drink water and cover your mouth with a damp cloth.
• Move to burnt ground when the fire has passed.
• Stay in contact with someone and let them know what is happening.