Peter Weeks OAM of Alexandra Unit SES spoke about the role of the Unit in our community.
As an agency answerable to the State govt, SES is responsible for managing tsunami, earthquakes, landslides and storms and supports Fire, Ambulance and Police in road accidents, search and rescue operations.
SES works closely with BOM to anticipate climate/weather related impact on the seasonal bushfire outlook. The current La Nina pattern is associated with increased potential for grass fires, but a decreased risk of forest fires this season.
It is important to stay informed of risks via multiple channels
-Vic Emergency app and hotline
-social media
-emergency broadcasters- ABC and UGFM, TV
-sirens sounding for longer than 5 minutes.
-keep watch on days of catastrophic weather.
-have access to a battery or car radio, in case of power outages such as occurred recently at Kinglake.
-be aware of the different warnings, and what needs to be done in each instance.
-know where Neighbourhood Safer Places are- Leckie Park and Briggs Oval in Alexandra.
The Alexandra Unit has 25 members who are trained in water rescue, steep angle rescue, road rescue, and search & rescue operations. Training of members is an ongoing obligation.
Peter’s presentation was followed by a slide show of recent operations the Unit as been involved in.
In accepting his Angel, Peter reflected on his experience as member of Group Study Exchange which visited New Zealand shortly after the Christchurch earthquake. That experience still resonates.
