What do I do if I’m on vacation with wildfire smoke or flames nearby?
If you’re a sun-seeker on vacation, it’s likely you’ve visited — or want to visit — popular warm places like California, Hawaii, or Greece. And while these beautiful spots can give you the long, sunny days you’re after, they can also be prone to wildfires.
Don’t let this stop you from going on vacation, though. Instead, make preparing for potential wildfire smoke or flames part of your planning process to help cool your concerns.
"Knowing what to do in a wildfire when you're on vacation can make all the difference.
“Before you leave home, check the news or government websites to see if wildfire smoke or flames are affecting your destination and speak to your local accommodation about an evacuation plan upon arrival. They’ll know where to go for safety and the signs to look out for.
“If a wildfire does impact your destination, do your best to stay calm, so you can protect yourself and follow instructions from the local authorities."
Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at Travelex Insurance’s 24/7 assistance provider, World Travel Protection.
Not sure what to do in a wildfire or if there’s smoke or flames nearby while you’re on vacation? We can help you understand how to stay safe, from staying updated to knowing evacuation routes.
5 steps to take if you’re vacationing near wildfire smoke or flames:
1. Remain calm and stay informed.
2. Call our 24/7 travel assistance team.
3. Pack and prepare in case of evacuation.
4. Follow evacuation procedures and move to a safer location.
5. File a travel insurance claim.
Vacation safety tips: What to do in a wildfire
Step 1: Remain calm and stay informed
If you’re near wildfire smoke or flames on vacation, staying calm is key to staying safe. One of the best ways to try to stay relaxed is to keep up to date on the latest information. Because if you’re informed, you’re less likely to need to make rash decisions if the situation escalates.
Local authorities are your best resource when it comes to knowing what to do in a wildfire while you’re on vacation. They know the area and are best equipped to deal with incidents. Follow the social media accounts of local authorities or national park services for real-time alerts. It's also helpful to sign up for emergency notifications through your phone.
It’s smart to frequently check local news stations and weather apps for the latest information on wildfire movements and air quality, so you're ready to act quickly if needed.
Did you know: When you travel with a Travelex policy, you’ll get access to our Travel On app, which contains the phone numbers for local authorities. Just search your destination in the app to find key contacts and more. Plus, if you share your location with us, we can share updates on the status of the wildfire and provide additional support if needed.
Step 2: Call our 24/7 travel assistance team
Did you protect your trip with a Travelex policy? If so, our travel assistance team, World Travel Protection, is available to support you 24/7 whether you’re simply nervous about wildfire smoke in the skies or required to evacuate because of a wildfire. The easiest way to reach us is by tapping the assistance button in our Travel On app.
You can also contact our travel assistance team by:
- Calling from the U.S./Canada at 1-844-215-1672
- Calling overseas at 1-647-775-8042
- Emailing us at [email protected]
Need medical care because wildfire smoke or flames affected you during your vacation? We can help you find reliable doctor’s offices or hospitals for in-person or telehealth visits. We can also help explain your travel insurance coverage for wildfire-related scenarios before you file a claim.
Step 3: Pack and prepare in case of evacuation
If there’s wildfire smoke nearby but the authorities have advised everyone to remain in place, prepping for a potential evacuation can help ease your mind while allowing you to still enjoy your vacation. Try to keep your belongings packed up and ready to go in your accommodations. If you’re traveling with others, make an action plan you’re all comfortable with.
If you can’t keep all your items packed, make sure to at least have a go-bag ready with essentials. Try to include your forms of identification (such as your passport), medications, cash, and basic toiletries. You may also want to pack snacks, water bottles, a portable phone charger, and a first-aid kit.
If you’re staying in a hotel, learn its evacuation procedure. Speak to the staff and make a transportation plan so you know how you’ll evacuate to a safer location if needed. If you arrived at your destination in your own or rented car, keep your car fueled up and know the quickest routes to safety.
What do you do if wildfire smoke pollutes the air at your destination before you evacuate? Follow these steps to stay healthier:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have breathing issues.
- Use air conditioning to filter the air.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Consider wearing an N95 mask outside (if you can access one).
- Keep an eye on local air quality updates. Consider relocating to an area with cleaner air if conditions worsen.
Step 4: Follow evacuation procedures and move to a safer location
If wildfire smoke or flames are quickly approaching your destination, local authorities may order an evacuation of the area. Following evacuation procedures swiftly is essential for your safety and those around you.
In emergency situations like this, it’s not uncommon to feel nervous and worried. Do your best to stay calm and listen to local authorities' instructions through news updates or emergency alerts. They can help guide you through the situation and are best equipped to help keep you safe.
When it’s time, grab your pre-packed or essential belongings, and make sure everyone in your travel group is with you, ready to go, and knows the plan.
Use the safest and quickest route to evacuate suggested by the authorities, steering clear of smoky areas if possible. Once you're at a designated safe location, check in with friends or family to let them know you're okay. If there are others at the evacuation area with you, remember to look out for each other — it’s likely an unnerving situation for all vacationers and locals affected by the fire.
Continue to follow the advice of the local authorities, whether that’s returning to your vacation spot when it’s safe, moving to another area, or returning home. We’re here to help if you need us, so contact our assistance team at any time.
Step 5: File a travel insurance claim
If wildfire smoke or a wildfire affects your trip, it’s likely you’ll need to change plans to ensure you stay safe. This could include booking a room at a different hotel, taking unplanned transportation to another area, or coming home with damaged luggage. Or it could even mean canceling your trip entirely.
If you purchased a Travelex plan for your vacation, we may be able to reimburse you for wildfire-related trip mishaps. You'll find your wildfire coverage in your policy, so make sure you read it before buying and during your trip if you’re affected. If you still have questions, reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-819-9004.
Ready to file your travel insurance claim? Collect documents like receipts, proof of loss, and medical bills to submit with your claim. Then, file a claim online or contact our claims team.
Be a smart traveler: Know what to do in other vacation situations
From emergencies to less urgent travel obstacles, our travel assistance team 24/7 can help you in several vacation situations beyond wildfires.
When you travel with us, our specialists can help you with:
Feel extra informed and safe with our Travel On app
Keep our travel assistance team just a tap away with our Travel On app. Plus, it’s easy to stay updated with real-time safety alerts, destination information, potential risks, and more.
Discover more travel insurance benefits
Traveling can be unpredictable — from flight delays to luggage that doesn’t arrive at your destination with you. Focus more on enjoying your vacation and less on unexpected mishaps with our reliable coverage.
With a Travelex plan, we may reimburse you for these situations and more:
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