June 2011
Not too much has been happening on the fire scene for May but we’ve been busy maintaining equipment and making arrangements for works on the Hampden Bridge.
We are positioning our Valley 2 truck on the Northern side of the bridge throughout the week at times when the bridge is closed to ensure that we have adequate cover for those residents, should it be required.
May call-outs
We’ve had only the one callout to attend, a motor accident (MVA) which involved a minivan sliding off the road on Barrengarry Mountain due to wet, greasy roads. The accident resulted in an oil spill clean-up which the crew on Valley 1 assisted with until the RTA crew arrived to complete the task.
Did you know? The RFS attends around 40% more house fires during winter than in other months. In most cases, these fires could have been avoided with some simple pre-winter preparation. See this month’s Guide to Action for safety tips. It only takes 3 minutes for a fire to take hold! www.3minutes.com.au
Thinking of joining? It’s a great way to meet people and help out your community and you’ll learn new, accredited skills you can use on your own place, too. All enquiries are welcome, or just drop down to one of our Wednesday training nights, held twice a month during winter. The brigade is open to anyone over the age of 16 years, the minimum age to become a firefighter, and we’re actively seeking new members.
Training 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 6.00 PM at the fire station
Maintenance Sundays, 9.00 AM to 10.00 AM 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.
Understandably, the bridge closure makes things more difficult. I would encourage members who can’t make a Wednesday training night to come down on the Sunday morning for the maintenance check.
Guide to action: June
A timely reminder re: smoke alarms and house fires. House fires can cause serious injury or death, and can destroy your most cherished possessions and home.
Maintain your heating equipment, never leave open fires unattended and always use a fire screen in front of open fires.
With any sort of heater, including gas or electric heaters, always allow at least one metre of space between the heater and clothing, bedclothes, curtains or upholstery.
Never ever drape clothing, towels or other items over a heater to warm or dry them.
Install a smoke alarm. Although smoke detectors cannot prevent house fires, they are your first line of defence and could save your home and family.
When did you last check your smoke alarm? Test smoke alarms regularly and change the battery at least once every 12 months.
Have a licensed electrician check your wiring and install a safety switch.
Don’t overload power points and switch off household appliances when not in use.
News
Recent recruits and long-standing members who attended the recent First Aid course at St Georges Basin, attained or requalified for their First Aid Certificates, learning the newly revised steps for CPR and further training on defibrillator use.
This will come in handy, now we have a defibrillator on each truck. (See last month’s report).
No permits needed this season but you are still required to notify immediate neighbours and Shoalhaven Fire Control. Shoalhaven fire Control – (02) 4424 4424
If you need assistance, the brigade is happy to assist with burns or hazard reduction for a small donation.