August 2011
We’ve certainly had our fair share of wild weather this ‘slow’ season.
If you went with last issue’s Guide to action and built that pile, you’ve probably got a few more to keep it company.
If you’re going to light them, remember to let neighbours and fire control know.
That number again: Shoalhaven Fire Control – (02) 4424 4424. Reminder: permit season starts on 1 September.
Look out for more on the RFS Open Day and BBQ, to be held in October or November. Come and meet the brigade, pick up your bushfire safety info pack, or get a photo with the trucks.
All welcome...stay tuned for the date.
July call-outs
3 callouts for this month, all largely to do with the wind storms in July.
1st call out was to a small grass fire on Moss Vale Rd near the rectory, caused by fallen and arcing power lines.
The fire was quickly dealt with but the crew then assisted with diverting traffic around the power lines for several hours.
From this incident they were then tasked to assist at a number of incidents, with trees down and fallen power lines throughout the valley, for the rest of the afternoon and into the night. Guys on the chainsaws were kept busy clearing the roads for traffic and electricity repair crews.
2nd call-out was to a grass fire near Crystal Creek B&B on Moss Vale Rd, which was quickly extinguished. This appeared to have started in long grass on the edge of the road most likely from a cigarette thrown from a passing car.
3rd call-out was to another report of a grass fire on Grahams Rd, which turned out to be a false alarm as it was a resident burning some rubbish off in large pit.
Some concerned neighbours had reported it due to the winds that had been around, but as it was in the cool of the evening there was little danger of it spreading.
This does show the importance of letting your neighbours know before you burn off any piles.
Did you know?
Electricity will run through green tree branches and also wire fences if they are in contact with a live power lines.
You should treat all lines as being alive until such time as the repair crews deem them as being disconnected.
It is not unusual for fallen lines that appear to be dead to suddenly be repowered with no warning as the power is diverted via an alternate grid to try to get the power back on.
Do not approach closer than 8 to 10 metres of fallen lines and maintain an even greater distance for some of the high voltage lines found throughout the valley.
Also bear in mind that branches fallen near power supplies could be obscuring live lines.
Be alert.
Guide to action: August
How are you going with your bushfire preparation to-do list?
If you need help preparing your property, you may be elligible for the NSW Rural Fire Service AIDER Programme (Assist Infirm Disabled and Elderly Residents) is a one-off free service, supporting vulnerable residents to live more safely and confidently in their home on bush fire prone land.
AIDER services can be provided to vulnerable people who have limited domestic support available from family, relatives, friends or other services.
For more information on the AIDER Programme, phone (02) 8741 4955 or email aider@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
If the rest of you don’t know where to start, why not...
* Make it a working bee with friends and family. You can share tips and any cuttings from shrubs you’ve cut back around the house.
* Get the kids involved. The RFS has a website with games and activity booklets for kids to learn fire safety at www.brigadekids.com
* Stock up your library. To buy or borrow, there are many books with tips on all aspects: building design; being prepared; and even books written specifically for women. Nowra Library has a good selection to start with. And don’t forget to visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for the latest RFS incident updates or click on ‘Publications’ to educate yourself and your family.
News
As reported last month the Emergency Services Navigation Shield was to be held on the 2nd July at a secret location—it turned out to be at Mt Werong, on the Western side of the Blue Mountains between Taralga and Oberon. The Valley RFS team was competing in the one-day event this year and finished as the top RFS team, 1st in our Class and 3rd overall top pointscore in a very tightly contested event.
A very good effort overall. Approximately 55 teams sought victory in the one-day event, from all the Emergency Services throughout NSW and even some from Victoria.
Our team consisted of David Smart, Mike Gorman, Terry Rebbeck, Graeme Mounsey and Matt Mounsey—as you can see, we were big on experience (age) and perhaps not as good on condition (fitness).
Other commendable efforts was the Shoalhaven SES team coming second in the two-day event and another local Peter Wilson, in the Shoalhaven Ambulance team, taking honours as the top ambulance team in the two-day event and 5th overall.
Training 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month through winter, from 6 p.m at the fire station.
Maintenance Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the fire station
Info Contact Dave (Dusty) Smart on
0427 651718 if you’d like to know more about the brigade and its activities, or come along to the Open Day BBQ.