Turn focus to safety

IN the midst of warmer weather, Mayor Amanda Stapledon is urging City of Casey residents to seriously consider their household emergency safety plans.
In addition to creating their own, she is also encouraging everyone to assist others in devising their plan.
“Every summer brings an increased risk of natural emergencies threatening our municipality – especially through bushfires, heat waves, storms and even floods,” Cr Stapledon said.
She said it is vital that people plan ahead.
“It is crucial we all plan ahead for what we would do in an emergency – to protect ourselves, our properties and those that we love and care for across our community,” Cr Stapledon said. “That planning should include any relatives, friends, or neighbours who may need our help to prepare their safety plans too.”
Crew leader and SES member, Nikky Turner agreed planning ahead was vital in staying safe during high risk seasons.
“It’s important in order to best look after yourself,” she said.
Ms Turner agreed the most important part of planning is to make sure many others know your plan.
“It’s important to communicate with families, and letting other people know what you’re doing,” Ms Turner said.
“It’s best if as many people as possible know.”
Cr Stapledon also mentioned that some will rely on the help from those around them to assist during an emergency or natural disaster.
“These residents usually include the frail or elderly people with a physical disability, or those who have problems thinking clearly or acting quickly in a stressful situation,” Cr Stapledon said.
In order to assist Victorians in planning for these types of emergencies, the Victorian Government is distributing copies of the Red Cross Bushfires: Preparing to leave early plan.
This free publication is available from the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au), the Red Cross website (www.redcross.com.au), or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Cr Stapledon encouraged everyone to obtain a copy of the planning guide.
“I urge anyone who needs a simple guide to helping others with their safety planning to get hold of this Red Cross plan,” she said.
“It will help you – or someone you care for – to think about when and where to go in an emergency, what to take with you, and who you should tell that you are leaving.”
She said this sort of forward planning would help better prepare all those people in the area in the case of an emergency.
“This sort of planning will help make our municipality far more resilient in the face of an emergency – by sharing the responsibility to care for each other this summer,” Cr Stapledon said.
Ms Turner also stressed the importance of back-up plans as other actions to take to ensure personal safety.
“Contingency plans are vital in case the first one falls through,” the SES member said.