Safety Australia

Safety in Australia

Australia is, overall, a safe country to visit.  The government is stable, the crime rate is comparatively low and the nation’s strict gun control laws means that gun related crimes are virtually non-existent.  Of course, there are always dangers, especially to tourists.  As with any country, you should always be aware that tourists are an easy mark for thieves.  Keep money belts concealed under your clothing and try to avoid carrying important documents, such as your passport, with you.  Most hotels and backpackers hostels provide lockable storage for these items.

In recent years, Australia has been experiencing problems with ATM scams.  When using an ATM, you should always cover your hand when you enter your PIN number.  Report any unusual incidents, such as the ATM machine not releasing your card or money, to the bank immediately.  If the bank is closed, call the police.

The emergency phone number in Australia is 000.  This will put you through to the police, ambulance or fire services.  Triple 0 is a free call from any phone in Australia and can still be used from mobile phones that don’t have a SIM card.  For non-urgent police matters, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Australian environment can turn from peaceful to deadly in an instant.  Tourists should always take warning signs seriously, as many deaths are easily preventable.
The Australian ocean can be a treacherous place.  Giant swells and hidden rips can be fatal for even the most experienced swimmers.  Only swim on patrolled beaches and always swim in between the red and yellow flags.  Plain red flags mean the beach is closed and not safe for swimming, or even wading.  Never swim while you are drunk or under the influence of drugs.

If you do find yourself in trouble at the beach, wave your arms and wait for a lifeguard to rescue you.  Try to remain afloat, but do not swim against a current or rip.

Bushfires are a highly dangerous and sadly very common part of an Australian summer.  The dry weather combined with the flammable nature of Australian native plants means that bushfires can spring up quickly.  There is a general fire ban during the dry summer months – this includes bonfires and controlled burning.  You should also be careful with cigarette butts.  In the instance of a bushfire, stay tuned to the television or radio and always follow the advice of the authorities.  Do not return to the area for any reason until you are cleared to do so.

Australia is also subject to severe weather storms, especially between January and March.  This includes strong winds, hail, flash flooding, cyclones and, in rare cases, tornadoes.  The Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency Management Australia will release bulletins on the television and radio in the case of a storm.  You can also call the Bureau of Meteorology hotline on 1900 926 133.  If you are staying in a house, secure all loose items outdoors and then remain inside, staying away from glass windows.  For a severe storm, you may need to seek shelter in the strongest part of the house, usually the bathroom.  If you are driving, find a safe place to pull over and wait for the storm to pass.

If you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, try to find a hard topped vehicle or solid building to shelter in.  If you can’t find shelter, crouch down with your feet together, preferably in a gully or dip, and remove all metal objects, such as jewellery, from your body.  If you are with someone who has been struck by lightning, applying CPR until help arrives will significantly improve their chance of survival.  You cannot receive a shock by touching someone who has been struck by lightning.

Once the storm has passed, wait for further instructions from emergency services.  Leave the clean up to the professionals, as active fallen powerlines could be buried in the rubble.

Extreme conditions in Australia can be deadly, but by applying common sense and always following the advice of experts, you can enjoy a safe and fun filled holiday in this sunshine paradise.