Today is the remembrance of the Black Saturday Bushfires, fires that changed many people lives, be it those that lost family members, those that lost friends, those that lost property, those that lost animals. None of those losses will ever be forgotten. Not in 2 yrs – not in 10years – not in a lifetime.
I’ve spent close to 2 years trying to make people aware of the dangers of bushfires and yet time and time again I see people waiting until the last minute, or complaining that they only received 20 minutes warning from authorities. Daily Telegraph - Forget you homes, just get out now! Feb 7th 2011 I’m sorry – but you have eyes and ears, you have radio, you have television. Do not lock yourself inside with the Air Conditioner and think “she’ll be right mate, someone will tell me” – Maybe the phones are down, maybe the mobile has a flat battery.
This entire blog is dedicated to those that were lost in the Black Saturday Fires, not because I dwell in the morbid, but because if I can prevent ONE loss of life with the information contained here then I have achieved something
Today we remember 173 people who lost their lives to the Black Saturday fires, don’t let their loss be in vain. Get out whilst you can. If you know the weather is a high risk day, pack up the night before, go to friends houses.
You know the drill – don’t wait until the last minute I beg you
Think of your children, think of your family.
XXOO
Take care
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
40’c at your place? What Council services can you expect?
I covered this some 12 months ago Do Council, Government & Insurance Co.'s have power to shut your business on HIGH fire risk days?
From council offices, to council amenities, schools, day-care centres, possibly even community events.
Don’t forget your electricity supply also Cut my power, cut my ability to make life-saving decisions
Then to find this article in the Adelaide Now Care Factor Nil for Elderly Left Alone - Adelaide Now stating that elderly citizens were abandoned during a day that exceeded 40’c. These elderly people, who have paid their taxes and raised children and helped Australia grow, couldn’t even have a shower, because no-one came to help them.
The response from the agencies involved? “the policy called for systems to ensure family, friends or neighbours checked the welfare of clients on days of extreme heat and fire danger.”
What if they DO NOT have anyone to check their welfare? What then? People don’t use these agencies because they have that people that care about them, or are nearby, they use these agencies as a last resort solution.
I hope and pray that nothing EVER goes wrong.
Please if you have elderly neighbours, OR know someone in this position, please find the time to stop past or even ring to check they are okay. Remember the older generation are proud and will not ask for help. Sometimes you have to just DO IT, for them.
From council offices, to council amenities, schools, day-care centres, possibly even community events.
Don’t forget your electricity supply also Cut my power, cut my ability to make life-saving decisions
Then to find this article in the Adelaide Now Care Factor Nil for Elderly Left Alone - Adelaide Now stating that elderly citizens were abandoned during a day that exceeded 40’c. These elderly people, who have paid their taxes and raised children and helped Australia grow, couldn’t even have a shower, because no-one came to help them.
The response from the agencies involved? “the policy called for systems to ensure family, friends or neighbours checked the welfare of clients on days of extreme heat and fire danger.”
What if they DO NOT have anyone to check their welfare? What then? People don’t use these agencies because they have that people that care about them, or are nearby, they use these agencies as a last resort solution.
I hope and pray that nothing EVER goes wrong.
Please if you have elderly neighbours, OR know someone in this position, please find the time to stop past or even ring to check they are okay. Remember the older generation are proud and will not ask for help. Sometimes you have to just DO IT, for them.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Marysville - Almost 2 years on after the Bushfires of Black Saturday
These are some photos I took last week.
90%, maybe 95% of the trees are dead. They will stand as a reminder of what has happened for generations. Falling as those that remember fall.
Do not let the memory of these trees be in vain. Prepare yourself, your family, your house, your animals.
Remember these trees and remember never to forget that preparation is the key to survival in a bushfire.
90%, maybe 95% of the trees are dead. They will stand as a reminder of what has happened for generations. Falling as those that remember fall.
Do not let the memory of these trees be in vain. Prepare yourself, your family, your house, your animals.
Remember these trees and remember never to forget that preparation is the key to survival in a bushfire.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Bushfire Season has arrived – Are You prepared?
Doesn’t matter where you live, be it Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland or New South Wales, the threat of fire is not far away.
Record rains across all states have seen the undergrowth thrive, once the hot weather arrives, that same undergrowth will dry off and pose a major fire risk.
The thought of bushfires is never been far away from the minds of rural folk at the height of summer, but city folk must also pay attention. 2009 saw the suburbs of Melbourne threatened, outskirts of Bendigo burned. 2010 saw the outskirts of Adelaide threatened and 4000 hectares burnt in Tasmania.
So, doesn’t matter city or country – you MUST prepare for the upcoming season, record rains have seen record growth and with the growth comes the likelihood of record bushfires and fatalities.
Don’t become a statistic, prepare for the summer ahead, prepare your land, prepare your house, prepare your family, prepare yourself.
Some things you can do to prepare are slash grass, clear gutters, create a firebreak around your house, make sure wood and junk is not stacked up against or under your house and most importantly prepare a bushfire action plan AND STICK TO IT.
Some previous posts that you should also read:-
Children in the care of others during Code Red Days
Are you prepared to stay and defend?
Loss of power in residential properties
Are you prepared for bushfire?
Be prepared or prepare to die
Fire season and the procrastinator
The threat of bushfire and your family
Clean up before fire cleans up for you!
Remember only you can save you – no-one else knows where the fire is headed, not even the experts.
Record rains across all states have seen the undergrowth thrive, once the hot weather arrives, that same undergrowth will dry off and pose a major fire risk.
The thought of bushfires is never been far away from the minds of rural folk at the height of summer, but city folk must also pay attention. 2009 saw the suburbs of Melbourne threatened, outskirts of Bendigo burned. 2010 saw the outskirts of Adelaide threatened and 4000 hectares burnt in Tasmania.
So, doesn’t matter city or country – you MUST prepare for the upcoming season, record rains have seen record growth and with the growth comes the likelihood of record bushfires and fatalities.
Don’t become a statistic, prepare for the summer ahead, prepare your land, prepare your house, prepare your family, prepare yourself.
Some things you can do to prepare are slash grass, clear gutters, create a firebreak around your house, make sure wood and junk is not stacked up against or under your house and most importantly prepare a bushfire action plan AND STICK TO IT.
Some previous posts that you should also read:-
Children in the care of others during Code Red Days
Are you prepared to stay and defend?
Loss of power in residential properties
Are you prepared for bushfire?
Be prepared or prepare to die
Fire season and the procrastinator
The threat of bushfire and your family
Clean up before fire cleans up for you!
Remember only you can save you – no-one else knows where the fire is headed, not even the experts.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Double-Glazed Windows
I was having a conversation with my 13yo, about his grandfather and some conversations that they had in the past.
My son said to me that grandpa thought the only reason that their house didn’t burn too, was because of the double-glazed windows. This surprised me, I wasn’t aware that my son knew what double-glazed windows were.
I was right – the next question was – “mum, what are double-glazed windows?”
I then explained to him that double-glazed windows are two sheets of glass with air in between, held in the window frame, so that the two pieces don’t touch and the air in the middle is like a cushion, that stop s the house getting too hot or too cold and during the fire it did the same thing.
Mstr13 then pipes up and says, “Yeah, that’s what grandpa said. He said single-glaze windows cracked and then the drapes (USA speak URRGGHH) caught fire and then the house burnt.”
Mstr13, then went on to say that Nanna burnt her fingers when she touched the window frame, when the fire was outside.
I knew these things, but had never discussed them with my children, I didn’t want to scare them anymore that I did that Sunday/Monday when I went to Marysville.
As it was Mstr13 was nearly suspended from school, for checking his mobile phone during class on Monday, thinking that I may have called. It took some quick talking with the school to avoid that.
This conversation has only come to light in the last week. I’m not even sure why or how.
Children are constantly thinking and talking, you’d be surprised, don’t think your children don’t want to know, they do, share your knowledge, it might save their life one day.
My son said to me that grandpa thought the only reason that their house didn’t burn too, was because of the double-glazed windows. This surprised me, I wasn’t aware that my son knew what double-glazed windows were.
I was right – the next question was – “mum, what are double-glazed windows?”
I then explained to him that double-glazed windows are two sheets of glass with air in between, held in the window frame, so that the two pieces don’t touch and the air in the middle is like a cushion, that stop s the house getting too hot or too cold and during the fire it did the same thing.
Mstr13 then pipes up and says, “Yeah, that’s what grandpa said. He said single-glaze windows cracked and then the drapes (USA speak URRGGHH) caught fire and then the house burnt.”
Mstr13, then went on to say that Nanna burnt her fingers when she touched the window frame, when the fire was outside.
I knew these things, but had never discussed them with my children, I didn’t want to scare them anymore that I did that Sunday/Monday when I went to Marysville.
As it was Mstr13 was nearly suspended from school, for checking his mobile phone during class on Monday, thinking that I may have called. It took some quick talking with the school to avoid that.
This conversation has only come to light in the last week. I’m not even sure why or how.
Children are constantly thinking and talking, you’d be surprised, don’t think your children don’t want to know, they do, share your knowledge, it might save their life one day.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Forgotten Victim of the Black Saturday Bushfires
My Father
He fought the fires, he survived the fires, he saved his house, He saved some friends, but he could not save them all. in losing his friends and his town, he lost his life.
He never recovered. His nightmare lasted for 13 months. He's free now.
Love you
He fought the fires, he survived the fires, he saved his house, He saved some friends, but he could not save them all. in losing his friends and his town, he lost his life.
He never recovered. His nightmare lasted for 13 months. He's free now.
Love you
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year
Today is the 1st January 2010 and you feel horrible,
It’s midday (I know) even if you don’t. You drank too much last night. The kids are squealing for breakfast, which could possibly pass for lunch.
Your head hurts, you can’t find the panadol! Did I really kiss Bob from next-door last night?
What was I thinking LOL
Oh well, it’s a new year, it’s a new start, thankfully you have some time off.
Do you take the kids to the beach? Take them to the pool or sit under the air-conditioning and just let them play on the computer?
All choices you have to make, but try turning the computers off, try turning the play stations off. See if you can go one day without technology.
You might actually find your kids and start touching base with them and communicating with them and not sending the dinner reminder via MSN!!
Alright – remember new year, new start even if it is something as simple as sitting down to dinner as a family at the one table and turn the Television off!
Good luck.
It’s midday (I know) even if you don’t. You drank too much last night. The kids are squealing for breakfast, which could possibly pass for lunch.
Your head hurts, you can’t find the panadol! Did I really kiss Bob from next-door last night?
What was I thinking LOL
Oh well, it’s a new year, it’s a new start, thankfully you have some time off.
Do you take the kids to the beach? Take them to the pool or sit under the air-conditioning and just let them play on the computer?
All choices you have to make, but try turning the computers off, try turning the play stations off. See if you can go one day without technology.
You might actually find your kids and start touching base with them and communicating with them and not sending the dinner reminder via MSN!!
Alright – remember new year, new start even if it is something as simple as sitting down to dinner as a family at the one table and turn the Television off!
Good luck.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
My father said……………………..
“You shouldn’t have come”, with tears in his eyes. My response was “and if the shoe had been on the other foot, what would you have done?” His response was “I would’ve come” My response, “Then please, don’t tell me what I should and should not have done.”
This conversation took place when we were still cleaning up the property in town some 9 months after the fact and was in relation to the fires and my escapades 8 hours after the fact.
He’s not coping, my mother pretends she is coping. I’m not coping, but like mother, like daughter I pretend I am coping. Deep down I know I am not.
There are many other people like me and my parents out there. We are all pretending we are managing; we have to for our family and our friends.
The posting of this into the blog is somewhat delayed from when it was written, simply due to other posting material which has been previously written and yet, this material could be posted some 12 months down the track and I am sure it would read exactly the same way.
Yesterday the 19th November 2009, saw the first day that could have posed a threat to my family, and I spent the entire day at work, thanking my lucky stars that my daughter was not home and praying that nothing would happen. There are people on my street that have no-one to care for them other than me. I was the only person on Black Saturday that stayed in contact with them and made sure that they were aware of what was going on and who they would be going with if and when the path of the fire changed.
South Australia and Victoria have had record breaking temperatures in the last 48 hours and I think that is only going to get worse. Hotter nights, even hotter days, winds and storms will increase and with that the increase in lightening strikes and fires getting away from our esteemed fire-fighters. As I have said previously and will continue to say, firefighters, paid and unpaid are our lifeline. Without them, these fires would devastate everything we know.
My father lost many friends, his home town of 40 years has been wiped from the face of the earth. There are 173 people dead, there are 1000’s of displaced people, wondering if they should re-build, wondering if they should move on. Wondering what life holds in store for them. Spare a thought, not just for those that lost their lives, but for those that have to live with the memory of those losses and the loss of property and their job and everything they once knew.
BTW – just because it has been said, doesn’t make it right, neither does it make it wrong. It just needed to be said to clear the air.
We all do things we sometimes regret, both words and actions, I regret neither. I did what had to be done and it shows that one woman in action can do much more than words.
Stay strong, stay safe and remember if you don’t feel safe, get out and save your life (and your mind). It is not just the event, but it is what you see and hear that can affect you for as long as you live.
This conversation took place when we were still cleaning up the property in town some 9 months after the fact and was in relation to the fires and my escapades 8 hours after the fact.
He’s not coping, my mother pretends she is coping. I’m not coping, but like mother, like daughter I pretend I am coping. Deep down I know I am not.
There are many other people like me and my parents out there. We are all pretending we are managing; we have to for our family and our friends.
The posting of this into the blog is somewhat delayed from when it was written, simply due to other posting material which has been previously written and yet, this material could be posted some 12 months down the track and I am sure it would read exactly the same way.
Yesterday the 19th November 2009, saw the first day that could have posed a threat to my family, and I spent the entire day at work, thanking my lucky stars that my daughter was not home and praying that nothing would happen. There are people on my street that have no-one to care for them other than me. I was the only person on Black Saturday that stayed in contact with them and made sure that they were aware of what was going on and who they would be going with if and when the path of the fire changed.
South Australia and Victoria have had record breaking temperatures in the last 48 hours and I think that is only going to get worse. Hotter nights, even hotter days, winds and storms will increase and with that the increase in lightening strikes and fires getting away from our esteemed fire-fighters. As I have said previously and will continue to say, firefighters, paid and unpaid are our lifeline. Without them, these fires would devastate everything we know.
My father lost many friends, his home town of 40 years has been wiped from the face of the earth. There are 173 people dead, there are 1000’s of displaced people, wondering if they should re-build, wondering if they should move on. Wondering what life holds in store for them. Spare a thought, not just for those that lost their lives, but for those that have to live with the memory of those losses and the loss of property and their job and everything they once knew.
BTW – just because it has been said, doesn’t make it right, neither does it make it wrong. It just needed to be said to clear the air.
We all do things we sometimes regret, both words and actions, I regret neither. I did what had to be done and it shows that one woman in action can do much more than words.
Stay strong, stay safe and remember if you don’t feel safe, get out and save your life (and your mind). It is not just the event, but it is what you see and hear that can affect you for as long as you live.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Are you prepared to stay and defend or do you need to leave on “CODE RED” Days
Ask yourself these questions:-
1. Are you physically fit?
2. Are you mentally able to cope with the noise and possible devastation?
3. If you have children, do you have someone outside the area who can look after them?
4. Is your block surrounded by cleared lands?
5. Is your house roof clear of overhanging trees and branches?
6. Are you able to get onto the roof and block the gutters?
7. Is your house built on relatively flat land?
8. Is your house on a slab OR stumps? If stumps,is underneath of your house clear?
These are SOME of the things you MUST consider, There are many other factors to determine if you go or stay. It is not for me to determine your choice. Only YOU can make that choice.
If you answered Yes to the above Questions – then it is possible you have a better chance of saving your property.
If at any time in the past you have suffered from asthma or a heart condition, I believe you have to leave. I can’t stress this enough. The air is thick with smoke and flying embers, the heat is unbearable.
Here is a re-cap of all my posts over the last couple of weeks, from what to do and what not to do.
Things not to do when a bushfire is approaching
You can feel a sense of de-ja vu in the air
Things NOT to do when confronted by a bushfire
The Fire Season and the Procrastinator
Things to do months, weeks, years ahead of an approaching bushfire
Are YOU prepared for a bushfire?
Be Prepared or Prepare to Die
The threat of bushfires, your family and particularly home alone children
Children in the care of others, during CODE RED bushfire danger days (Victoria, Australia)
CODE RED affected schools (Victoria, Australia)
Fire bunkers – are they safe?
Caught in Car During a Bushfire
Animals and Bushfires
If you don’t feel able to stay and defend, leave, tell your neighbours, take your valuables with you, take your animals with you.
If you have water, let the local CFA know that you have water, if you are able – sign post that water, so the CFA are able to locate it. Don’t be selfish, it could be your house they are trying to save.
Take care and remember that the fire season of 2008/09 cost the lives of many and taught those that survived how to make survival a little easier.
Do not let their lives be in vain. Remember life is precious and family more so.
Take care out there
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"CODE RED" affected Metropolitan suburbs
Is your suburb on this list? - Doesn't matter if you are 10km from the CBD of Melbourne or 100km from the CBD - I have listed below some of the suburbs affected. Here is the whole list
Education Dept Bushfire Affected Schools - Link Updated 28th Oct 2013
I have only selected those suburbs that are considered suburbs of Melbourne. These suburbs are within commuting distance of the CBD.
Beaconsfield Upper, Belgrave (and surrounds), Bendigo (and surrounds), Blackburn, Boronia, Burwood, Carrum Downs, Christmas Hills, Cockatoo, Creswick, Croydon (and surrounds), Diamond Creek, Doncaster East, Donvale, Eltham (and surrounds), Endeavour Hills, Ferntree Gully, Frankston (and surrounds), Gembrook, Greensborough, Hoddles Creek, Hurstbridge, Kallista, Lilydale, Lower Templestowe, Mernda, Mill Park, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Narre Warren, Olinda, Pakenham (and surrounds), Research, Riddells Creek, Rosebud (and surrounds), Wantirna (and surrounds), Warrandyte (and surrounds), Wonga Park
If you have children in care, be it crèche, kindergarten or primary or secondary school in these areas, you will need to make alternate care arrangements for your children.
Refer this post for possible options CODE RED affected schools (Victoria, Australia)
Remember you will be leaving you children in the care of others, are you prepared to take the risk? – Read here - Children in the care of others, during CODE RED bushfire danger days (Victoria, Australia)
And remember, IF the school bus passes through any of these areas, the buses will not be running either, as per the Dept of Education website http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/bushfires/closure/default.htm
Please take care and remember nothing is more precious than the life of your children.
Education Dept Bushfire Affected Schools - Link Updated 28th Oct 2013
I have only selected those suburbs that are considered suburbs of Melbourne. These suburbs are within commuting distance of the CBD.
Beaconsfield Upper, Belgrave (and surrounds), Bendigo (and surrounds), Blackburn, Boronia, Burwood, Carrum Downs, Christmas Hills, Cockatoo, Creswick, Croydon (and surrounds), Diamond Creek, Doncaster East, Donvale, Eltham (and surrounds), Endeavour Hills, Ferntree Gully, Frankston (and surrounds), Gembrook, Greensborough, Hoddles Creek, Hurstbridge, Kallista, Lilydale, Lower Templestowe, Mernda, Mill Park, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Narre Warren, Olinda, Pakenham (and surrounds), Research, Riddells Creek, Rosebud (and surrounds), Wantirna (and surrounds), Warrandyte (and surrounds), Wonga Park
If you have children in care, be it crèche, kindergarten or primary or secondary school in these areas, you will need to make alternate care arrangements for your children.
Refer this post for possible options CODE RED affected schools (Victoria, Australia)
Remember you will be leaving you children in the care of others, are you prepared to take the risk? – Read here - Children in the care of others, during CODE RED bushfire danger days (Victoria, Australia)
And remember, IF the school bus passes through any of these areas, the buses will not be running either, as per the Dept of Education website http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/bushfires/closure/default.htm
Please take care and remember nothing is more precious than the life of your children.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Children in the care of others, during CODE RED bushfire danger days (Victoria, Australia)
Further to my post of the 13.11.09 CODE RED affected schools (Victoria, Australia)
Have you thought about the responsibility factor of leaving your children
in the care of another person, with the possibility of them being responsible for your children when you are not around?
It’s all fine and well to assume nothing will happen, but to assume something generally means you make an ass of yourself.
I’m not sure I would like the responsibility of caring for someone else’s child on such a high risk day, yet if you are a working parent, can you afford to take the time off? – I have also covered this here (from an employers’ perspective) Small business and your duty of care
You need to weigh up your options, I suppose it’s a lottery of sorts, ‘The money or your life’ or in this case your children’s life.
I know I keep harping on the matter – but I still think people are not taking the risk seriously enough.
People think that because they live in the suburbs they are safe – well the Government thinks otherwise, here are some of the suburbs listed as being CODE RED, do you live adjacent to or in these suburbs? Then consider yourself AT RISK – Eltham, Belgrave, Bendigo, Blackburn, Boronia, Carrum Downs, Coldstream, Doncaster East. See what I mean? Some of these suburbs are only 10-15km away from the CBD of Melbourne.
Don’t play ostrich, this is life and death, of you, your children, your family and friends.
Make your decisions and stick with it – Remember life is precious
XXOO
Have you thought about the responsibility factor of leaving your children
in the care of another person, with the possibility of them being responsible for your children when you are not around?It’s all fine and well to assume nothing will happen, but to assume something generally means you make an ass of yourself.
I’m not sure I would like the responsibility of caring for someone else’s child on such a high risk day, yet if you are a working parent, can you afford to take the time off? – I have also covered this here (from an employers’ perspective) Small business and your duty of care
You need to weigh up your options, I suppose it’s a lottery of sorts, ‘The money or your life’ or in this case your children’s life.
I know I keep harping on the matter – but I still think people are not taking the risk seriously enough.
People think that because they live in the suburbs they are safe – well the Government thinks otherwise, here are some of the suburbs listed as being CODE RED, do you live adjacent to or in these suburbs? Then consider yourself AT RISK – Eltham, Belgrave, Bendigo, Blackburn, Boronia, Carrum Downs, Coldstream, Doncaster East. See what I mean? Some of these suburbs are only 10-15km away from the CBD of Melbourne.
Don’t play ostrich, this is life and death, of you, your children, your family and friends.
Make your decisions and stick with it – Remember life is precious
XXOO
Friday, November 13, 2009
CODE RED affected schools (Victoria, Australia)
Some schools, crèches, kindergartens, child-care centres in some areas WILL BE CLOSED on days considered to be ‘CODE RED”
As a parent, you will need to make alternate arrangements for the care of your child/ren. This is VITAL that is arranged as soon as possible. Organise NOW.
Please DO NOT leave your children home alone. If something were to happen, you would not forgive yourself. IF you can stay home with the children, then that is best alternative.
If you are leaving your children with family or friends, make sure they are able to safely transport your child (and theirs) from the area IF the need arises. I am talking seat-belts, cars. DO NOT pretend nothing will happen. It may, it could. DO NOT risk your childrens’ life for the sake of a few dollars
Remember your children may be scared, they may be afraid of the fires, that may never happen. You MUST NOT scare them, You must not convey your fear to them.
No. 1 – identify if your school is one of the schools affected – here is the link to the Dept of Education website. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/bushfires/register.htm
No. 2 – You will be given a warning of up to 3 days, BUT if the weather changes suddenly, you may only have 12 hours notice (midday the day prior) of CODE RED day OR cancellation of said notification.
No. 3 – Arrange care for child/ren ASAP – this will reduce the stress on the child AND reduce the stress on yourself. NEVER leave a child at home, regardless of their age. IF something were to happen – you would never forgive yourself and I can guarantee that the police will not let you back home through the road blocks, if there is the threat of danger.
No. 4 – IF your child travels by bus, through an area deemed “CODE RED” to a school NOT affected by “CODE RED” the buses will NOT BE running on that route. Again find out from the bus company IF your route is affected and make plans accordingly.
No. 5 – If there are activities planned for outside the school grounds, it is likely these will also be cancelled. Be prepared for last minute changes.
No. 6 – if you don’t feel comfortable sending your child to school because of the risk of fire, even though a “CODE RED” day has not been announced. Keep your children home, with you
No. 7 – Make sure you discuss with your children what to do IF something goes wrong and you are not home – refer this conversation with my daughter. The threat of bushfires, your family and particularly home alone children
No. 8 – Family is more important than money – DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT think it won’t happen to you – because it did happen to 173 people and I don’t wish that upon you.
Please take care and remember your children choose your nursing home, so make sure they are around to do that for you.
XXOO
As a parent, you will need to make alternate arrangements for the care of your child/ren. This is VITAL that is arranged as soon as possible. Organise NOW.
Please DO NOT leave your children home alone. If something were to happen, you would not forgive yourself. IF you can stay home with the children, then that is best alternative.
If you are leaving your children with family or friends, make sure they are able to safely transport your child (and theirs) from the area IF the need arises. I am talking seat-belts, cars. DO NOT pretend nothing will happen. It may, it could. DO NOT risk your childrens’ life for the sake of a few dollars
Remember your children may be scared, they may be afraid of the fires, that may never happen. You MUST NOT scare them, You must not convey your fear to them.
No. 1 – identify if your school is one of the schools affected – here is the link to the Dept of Education website. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/bushfires/register.htm
No. 2 – You will be given a warning of up to 3 days, BUT if the weather changes suddenly, you may only have 12 hours notice (midday the day prior) of CODE RED day OR cancellation of said notification.
No. 3 – Arrange care for child/ren ASAP – this will reduce the stress on the child AND reduce the stress on yourself. NEVER leave a child at home, regardless of their age. IF something were to happen – you would never forgive yourself and I can guarantee that the police will not let you back home through the road blocks, if there is the threat of danger.
No. 4 – IF your child travels by bus, through an area deemed “CODE RED” to a school NOT affected by “CODE RED” the buses will NOT BE running on that route. Again find out from the bus company IF your route is affected and make plans accordingly.
No. 5 – If there are activities planned for outside the school grounds, it is likely these will also be cancelled. Be prepared for last minute changes.
No. 6 – if you don’t feel comfortable sending your child to school because of the risk of fire, even though a “CODE RED” day has not been announced. Keep your children home, with you
No. 7 – Make sure you discuss with your children what to do IF something goes wrong and you are not home – refer this conversation with my daughter. The threat of bushfires, your family and particularly home alone children
No. 8 – Family is more important than money – DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT think it won’t happen to you – because it did happen to 173 people and I don’t wish that upon you.
Please take care and remember your children choose your nursing home, so make sure they are around to do that for you.
XXOO
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Fire bunkers – are they safe?
With the fires on 7th February 2009 now called the ‘Black Saturday Fires’ many people in high-risk areas are considering installing or have installed so-called fire bunkers.
In theory these bunkers are a good idea – in real life perhaps not so good.
The 7th of February saw 7 people die in bunkers – the causes not released to the public. In saying that there were many people that used bunkers and did survive.
There is documented evidence that a home-made bunker designed to save, almost killed one resident. Who upon entering the bunker found that once the door was closed, the bunker filled with smoke, whilst the oxygen was sucked out.
The placement, site location, whether under roof eaves, the location of trees and other large objects may cause problems when trying to exit the bunker AFTER the fire front has passed
The possibility of air being sucked out of the bunker is another issue – rarely touched upon – but just as important. A human being is unable to survive without air.
There is (was) a bunker north-east of Melbourne that when inspected after the fire – the occupant would not have been able to survive. The temperature inside the bunker melted everything. Thankfully the expected occupant left the area prior to the fires approach and survived defending his property.
I am neither condoning nor supporting the use of bunkers – but if YOU MUST build a bunker or pay someone to do it – ensure that some basic guidelines are followed, as there are NO government/council guidelines/laws established to date.
- The bunker entrance/exit is far enough away from building structures and trees that the entry/exit cannot be blocked by falling debris.
- Ensure that you have ample FRESH water to prevent dehydration.
- Ensure that the entry/exit allows for easy access to determine if safe to exit.
- Ensure that the bunker is big enough to accommodate the number of people you desire.
- Try and stop all external air flow from the bunker and stop all smoke-laden air from entering the bunker.
- Ensure you have lighting that doesn’t consume oxygen (i.e. no candles).
As stated previously in theory bunkers are a good idea. Personally I don’t support them, simply because I have a dread of dying where I may not be found for days/weeks after a fatal event.
People and families did survive in bunkers – I am not denying that.
I suppose I would rather die fighting, not fleeing or huddled in an underground cell waiting for death.
Please take care and remember a life cannot be replaced, buildings and cars can be.
In theory these bunkers are a good idea – in real life perhaps not so good.
The 7th of February saw 7 people die in bunkers – the causes not released to the public. In saying that there were many people that used bunkers and did survive.
There is documented evidence that a home-made bunker designed to save, almost killed one resident. Who upon entering the bunker found that once the door was closed, the bunker filled with smoke, whilst the oxygen was sucked out.
The placement, site location, whether under roof eaves, the location of trees and other large objects may cause problems when trying to exit the bunker AFTER the fire front has passed
The possibility of air being sucked out of the bunker is another issue – rarely touched upon – but just as important. A human being is unable to survive without air.
There is (was) a bunker north-east of Melbourne that when inspected after the fire – the occupant would not have been able to survive. The temperature inside the bunker melted everything. Thankfully the expected occupant left the area prior to the fires approach and survived defending his property.
I am neither condoning nor supporting the use of bunkers – but if YOU MUST build a bunker or pay someone to do it – ensure that some basic guidelines are followed, as there are NO government/council guidelines/laws established to date.
- The bunker entrance/exit is far enough away from building structures and trees that the entry/exit cannot be blocked by falling debris.
- Ensure that you have ample FRESH water to prevent dehydration.
- Ensure that the entry/exit allows for easy access to determine if safe to exit.
- Ensure that the bunker is big enough to accommodate the number of people you desire.
- Try and stop all external air flow from the bunker and stop all smoke-laden air from entering the bunker.
- Ensure you have lighting that doesn’t consume oxygen (i.e. no candles).
As stated previously in theory bunkers are a good idea. Personally I don’t support them, simply because I have a dread of dying where I may not be found for days/weeks after a fatal event.
People and families did survive in bunkers – I am not denying that.
I suppose I would rather die fighting, not fleeing or huddled in an underground cell waiting for death.
Please take care and remember a life cannot be replaced, buildings and cars can be.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Flash Back of the Worst Kind
Went back to the place I grew up in (I can’t call it home as I have my own family now, with my own home). This is the same place that was burnt out by Black Saturday fires in February and I made a mad pre-dawn dash, running road blocks and upsetting several ‘official’ people
It’s amazing what the smallest thing can cause you to recall at the strangest times.
The morning of the fires, I came around this corner, there was an almighty tree across the road, obviously the smoke and fire that goes with being in the middle of a catastrophic event like Black Saturday.
I turned the same corner today and saw the stumps of the trees and was thinking about that horrible morning. When all of a sudden a light dust cloud swept across the road, accompanied by the smell of smoke. I almost panicked.
The only thing that stopped me slamming on the brakes was that my partner was riding shotgun, whereas before I was alone.
The dust was from the cleared ground due to fire cleaning up and the smoke was due to a fire that had been lit to burn off the tree stumps and rubbish that had been graded into a pile.
I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like for someone who has lost family in Black Saturday. How do they cope on a daily basis?
I was lucky - only lost friends, not family. I couldn't imagine
It’s amazing what the smallest thing can cause you to recall at the strangest times.
The morning of the fires, I came around this corner, there was an almighty tree across the road, obviously the smoke and fire that goes with being in the middle of a catastrophic event like Black Saturday.
I turned the same corner today and saw the stumps of the trees and was thinking about that horrible morning. When all of a sudden a light dust cloud swept across the road, accompanied by the smell of smoke. I almost panicked.
The only thing that stopped me slamming on the brakes was that my partner was riding shotgun, whereas before I was alone.
The dust was from the cleared ground due to fire cleaning up and the smoke was due to a fire that had been lit to burn off the tree stumps and rubbish that had been graded into a pile.
I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like for someone who has lost family in Black Saturday. How do they cope on a daily basis?
I was lucky - only lost friends, not family. I couldn't imagine
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Caught in Car During a Bushfire
This MAY have happened because you left too late, it MAY have happened because you happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, it MAY have happened because you weren’t aware of your surroundings. DO NOT whatever you do enter an area that is under threat of fire in any circumstances, this could result in death, even if this means not saving your dog, horse or cattle. By the time you have got to them, if you can get to them – it may very well be too late.
This is the truth – but if you are going into a bushfire prone area (anything with the word bush in it, would indicate that) you must take with you – Woolen blankets, sturdy gloves, sturdy shoes, water (and plenty of it) These are the bare minimum. I carry these with me all the time – they are handy not just for bushfires but for road accidents, spills, there are many many uses.
If you are caught in the unfortunate position of being in the car whilst an active fire is approaching DO NOT LEAVE the vehicle. Remain in the vehicle. IF you are able to see (which often you can’t) a building preferably made of brick; approach that building IN THE CAR. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE. Once you can positively determine you can access the building ONLY THEN, exit the vehicle. BUT ONLY IF YOU CAN 110% confirm access to the building with no time to spare.
If you cannot see a building, move to the side of the road, preferably with the front of the car facing the oncoming fire, somewhere clear of leaf litter and overhanging trees IF POSSIBLE. Somewhere like an oval, a car park, a paddock. Turn your headlights on, turn your hazard lights on. Turn the engine OFF, which is recommended by fire authorities. Wind up the windows and try and seal the vents as best you can, to prevent smoke entering the vehicle and hopefully stop the air being sucked out.. Make sure you can access the water, gloves, and woollen blanket, this is now what might just save your life.
Radiant heat is what kills a majority of people, before the flames even reach you. AT NO STAGE leave the vehicle, even if the plastic starts melting. Remember anything metal and plastic inside the vehicle will be RED-HOT and possibly melting. Grab the blanket, hopefully one for each occupant (Dreaming I know) Wrap it as tight as possible, covering fingers, ears, hands and feet. Get as low in the vehicle as possible, this will negate some of the radiant but not very much. DO NOT LEAVE THE VEHICLE AT ANY STAGE. YOU WILL DIE.
Once the front has passed – the ground will be black, and the active flame will have passed, objects will still be burning, but you will be stepping out onto blackened ground. REMEMBER EVERYTHING WILL BE HOT. PLASTIC WILL BE MELTED. The door could very well be melted in place, so be very careful. Exit the vehicle with EXTREME caution or you will be burned by hot metal OR molten plastic from the car trimmings.
DO NOT leave the area of your vehicle, the closer you stay the sooner you will be found. Remove from the vehicle anything you require, water, phones, food, anything that can be of any use. REMEMBER HOT, You have survived this far, do not be stupid. Sometimes the car tyres will be on fire. DO NOT WASTE YOUR water. Leave it burn. The car will be written off anyway because of the melting.
DO NOT LEAVE THE AREA OF THE VEHICLE. You will be found.
The area will still be extremely hot, keep the blanket around you, sip water and wait. DO NOT LEAVE THE AREA.
Please keep in mind that people perished because they left too late and when they went to access the vehicle, they were unable to do so, because the handles were too hot, OR the door had already melted shut. This is the sad truth. I saw cars keys in the ignition, with the trim melted, hub caps, but the tyres were still intact and I know that people died - Those cars were their last chance to get out and it was too late.
Pay attention to your surroundings, pay attention the weather, if you don’t think you can protect your property, both mentally and physically GET OUT and GET OUT EARLY. Do as the fire services recommend AND GET OUT.
Do not place your family in the position of danger or not knowing. It is not worth it.
This is the truth – but if you are going into a bushfire prone area (anything with the word bush in it, would indicate that) you must take with you – Woolen blankets, sturdy gloves, sturdy shoes, water (and plenty of it) These are the bare minimum. I carry these with me all the time – they are handy not just for bushfires but for road accidents, spills, there are many many uses.
If you are caught in the unfortunate position of being in the car whilst an active fire is approaching DO NOT LEAVE the vehicle. Remain in the vehicle. IF you are able to see (which often you can’t) a building preferably made of brick; approach that building IN THE CAR. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE. Once you can positively determine you can access the building ONLY THEN, exit the vehicle. BUT ONLY IF YOU CAN 110% confirm access to the building with no time to spare.
If you cannot see a building, move to the side of the road, preferably with the front of the car facing the oncoming fire, somewhere clear of leaf litter and overhanging trees IF POSSIBLE. Somewhere like an oval, a car park, a paddock. Turn your headlights on, turn your hazard lights on. Turn the engine OFF, which is recommended by fire authorities. Wind up the windows and try and seal the vents as best you can, to prevent smoke entering the vehicle and hopefully stop the air being sucked out.. Make sure you can access the water, gloves, and woollen blanket, this is now what might just save your life.
Radiant heat is what kills a majority of people, before the flames even reach you. AT NO STAGE leave the vehicle, even if the plastic starts melting. Remember anything metal and plastic inside the vehicle will be RED-HOT and possibly melting. Grab the blanket, hopefully one for each occupant (Dreaming I know) Wrap it as tight as possible, covering fingers, ears, hands and feet. Get as low in the vehicle as possible, this will negate some of the radiant but not very much. DO NOT LEAVE THE VEHICLE AT ANY STAGE. YOU WILL DIE.
Once the front has passed – the ground will be black, and the active flame will have passed, objects will still be burning, but you will be stepping out onto blackened ground. REMEMBER EVERYTHING WILL BE HOT. PLASTIC WILL BE MELTED. The door could very well be melted in place, so be very careful. Exit the vehicle with EXTREME caution or you will be burned by hot metal OR molten plastic from the car trimmings.
DO NOT leave the area of your vehicle, the closer you stay the sooner you will be found. Remove from the vehicle anything you require, water, phones, food, anything that can be of any use. REMEMBER HOT, You have survived this far, do not be stupid. Sometimes the car tyres will be on fire. DO NOT WASTE YOUR water. Leave it burn. The car will be written off anyway because of the melting.
DO NOT LEAVE THE AREA OF THE VEHICLE. You will be found.
The area will still be extremely hot, keep the blanket around you, sip water and wait. DO NOT LEAVE THE AREA.
Please keep in mind that people perished because they left too late and when they went to access the vehicle, they were unable to do so, because the handles were too hot, OR the door had already melted shut. This is the sad truth. I saw cars keys in the ignition, with the trim melted, hub caps, but the tyres were still intact and I know that people died - Those cars were their last chance to get out and it was too late.
Pay attention to your surroundings, pay attention the weather, if you don’t think you can protect your property, both mentally and physically GET OUT and GET OUT EARLY. Do as the fire services recommend AND GET OUT.
Do not place your family in the position of danger or not knowing. It is not worth it.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Things NOT to do when confronted by a bushfire
Point Form:-
1
DO NOT rely on help coming to you when you need it.
2
DO NOT use the bathroom as a refuge – it has no external doors and could be a killer.
3
DO NOT use a body of water elevated above ground level as a refuge – it could rupture.
4
DO NOT wait until the flames are visible before leaving your property.
5
DO NOT knowingly drive INTO the flames, people could be trying to escape and be on the wrong side of the road.
6
DO NOT continue to drive when the smoke gets too thick, even experienced fire-fighters have missed turn-offs.
7
DO NOT wear any man-made material that could melt, when fighting fires.
8
DO NOT wear thongs, singlets and t-shirts.
9
DO NOT leave animals in cars, waiting until the last moment, the heat or smoke may kill them, if the flames don’t.
10
DO NOT think that once the initial fire front has passed the danger is over. It could come back at you with a wind change.
11
DO NOT rely on mobile phone communications, when the fire comes it takes those towers out.
12
DO NOT rely on friends and family being able to come to your rescue as the fire approaches.
13
DO NOT rely on electricity or water supplies, they could fail at ANY time.
I know I keep nagging and perhaps you are getting sick of it – but if ONE person, only ONE person, manages to remember anything from this blog – and it aids in their survival then I have succeeded in saving one persons’ life.
Take care
1
DO NOT rely on help coming to you when you need it.
2
DO NOT use the bathroom as a refuge – it has no external doors and could be a killer.
3
DO NOT use a body of water elevated above ground level as a refuge – it could rupture.
4
DO NOT wait until the flames are visible before leaving your property.
5
DO NOT knowingly drive INTO the flames, people could be trying to escape and be on the wrong side of the road.
6
DO NOT continue to drive when the smoke gets too thick, even experienced fire-fighters have missed turn-offs.
7
DO NOT wear any man-made material that could melt, when fighting fires.
8
DO NOT wear thongs, singlets and t-shirts.
9
DO NOT leave animals in cars, waiting until the last moment, the heat or smoke may kill them, if the flames don’t.
10
DO NOT think that once the initial fire front has passed the danger is over. It could come back at you with a wind change.
11
DO NOT rely on mobile phone communications, when the fire comes it takes those towers out.
12
DO NOT rely on friends and family being able to come to your rescue as the fire approaches.
13
DO NOT rely on electricity or water supplies, they could fail at ANY time.
I know I keep nagging and perhaps you are getting sick of it – but if ONE person, only ONE person, manages to remember anything from this blog – and it aids in their survival then I have succeeded in saving one persons’ life.
Take care
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The threat of bushfires, your family and particularly home alone children
From the time my children could understand I have drummed into them need for them to be aware of their surroundings, to be able to think outside the square, to be able to survive in this dog eat dog world.
I grew up in an area that one day would burn due to a bushfire – it was only a matter of time before fiction became truth. That time was Feb 7th 2009.
I was in the middle of the fires, one way or another, I don't wish it upon anyone, but that is not why I am writing this post – My darling daughter on the day was home with us on that day and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We had the cars packed and ready to go – we had organised the elderly neighbours to leave with us in our cars. My intentions were to allow my 17yo to drive her car with one neighbour and I would take my son and another couple with me and then I would return once everyone was safe.
Thankfully it didn’t get to that – touch wood – we were very lucky.
What makes me write this is that my children are older 17yo and 12yo and sometimes we will leave them at home together. I have drummed into them from the time they could understand that if a fire threatens. Go to the dam, someone will come and get you.
My daughter said “when do we go?” – My response - When you can see or smell smoke. I said take a picnic and go down – take the woollen blanket and sit under the trees. Eat, go swimming, someone will come and get you.
“What happens if the fire comes?” – My response, Get in the water and wait for someone to come.
“What about the house?” Response, don’t worry about the house, we can build a bigger and better one when we get the insurance money.
“Who will come and get us?” Response - mum or dad.
It was some weeks after the fires and my daughter and I were driving through a fire affected area and randomly she said “Thanks mum for telling me about the dam, I wouldn’t have thought to do that. I felt safe knowing that someone would come and get us and that I knew what to do.”
My daughter lost many friends from her school in the fires of Black Saturday, I lost many people that I know also, but it is harder for children, even older ones.
Just writing this has bought tears to my eyes. Thinking of what has been,. What might have been, what was.
Please have a fire plan ready, to cover all eventualities. Make sure your children and family know how to contact you if the mobile towers no longer work. Organise a meeting place, somewhere where EVERYONE knows to call/go to in an emergency.
Discuss it openly. Don’t think ‘Oh, its okay we talked about it last year.’
Talk about it NOW. Talk about it often. Sometimes in times of stress you forget long ago conversations. Keep it fresh in everyones’ minds
I grew up in an area that one day would burn due to a bushfire – it was only a matter of time before fiction became truth. That time was Feb 7th 2009.
I was in the middle of the fires, one way or another, I don't wish it upon anyone, but that is not why I am writing this post – My darling daughter on the day was home with us on that day and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We had the cars packed and ready to go – we had organised the elderly neighbours to leave with us in our cars. My intentions were to allow my 17yo to drive her car with one neighbour and I would take my son and another couple with me and then I would return once everyone was safe.
Thankfully it didn’t get to that – touch wood – we were very lucky.
What makes me write this is that my children are older 17yo and 12yo and sometimes we will leave them at home together. I have drummed into them from the time they could understand that if a fire threatens. Go to the dam, someone will come and get you.
My daughter said “when do we go?” – My response - When you can see or smell smoke. I said take a picnic and go down – take the woollen blanket and sit under the trees. Eat, go swimming, someone will come and get you.
“What happens if the fire comes?” – My response, Get in the water and wait for someone to come.
“What about the house?” Response, don’t worry about the house, we can build a bigger and better one when we get the insurance money.
“Who will come and get us?” Response - mum or dad.
It was some weeks after the fires and my daughter and I were driving through a fire affected area and randomly she said “Thanks mum for telling me about the dam, I wouldn’t have thought to do that. I felt safe knowing that someone would come and get us and that I knew what to do.”
My daughter lost many friends from her school in the fires of Black Saturday, I lost many people that I know also, but it is harder for children, even older ones.
Just writing this has bought tears to my eyes. Thinking of what has been,. What might have been, what was.
Please have a fire plan ready, to cover all eventualities. Make sure your children and family know how to contact you if the mobile towers no longer work. Organise a meeting place, somewhere where EVERYONE knows to call/go to in an emergency.
Discuss it openly. Don’t think ‘Oh, its okay we talked about it last year.’
Talk about it NOW. Talk about it often. Sometimes in times of stress you forget long ago conversations. Keep it fresh in everyones’ minds
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