Our big news is that we have a change of venue for our meeting for THIS MONTH ONLY. We are holding the October meeting at the Crestmead Police Station and we are grateful for the invitation from Inspector Dowdy and his team to be able to take advantage of this opportunity. The beginning of the month was the annual State NHW conference and it was interesting to meet other committee members from all over Queensland some who have similar and many who have different ways of approaching safety and security in their commu-nities. The one constant that we did come up with was that we must engage our younger population more in NHW they are our future and with this in mind we are hoping that in the new year we will have some ini-tiatives that will see better ways for them to be involved. Don’t forget our AGM and end of year social event at the November meeting. I look forward to seeing you at the October meeting.
Take care Geoff
SMOKE ALARM SUBSIDY FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE
Do you know someone who would benefit from the use of a smoke alarm specifically designed for deaf or hard of hearing?
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is encouraging residents to take advantage of the Queensland Government’s Smoke Alarm subsidy Scheme which reduces the cost of specialised smoke alarm systems. There is also a DVD tailor made featuring AUSLAN interpretation and captions which contains safety information for this sector of the community which may well save their lives in event of an emergency situation.
Further information from Community Liaison Officer Jenny Farrell on 0416 295 963 or Department of Community Safety media unit 3247 8186
STORM SEASON APPROACHES
At the time of writing we are experiencing the very wet start of October. This will just be a precursor of what to expect during the summer so with thanks to the Logan City Web site you may wish to note the following advice for storm season:
NOW:
Prepare an EMERGENCY KIT
Trim trees and branches well clear of your home (keep trees under or near powerlines to a height less than 4m).
Check/secure roofing.
Clear gutting and downpipes.
Clear yard of loose materials that may become wind-blown hazards.
If possible, fit window shutters or, at least, metal screens.
Energex prefers that trees not be planted under power-lines. It publishes a planting guide with suggested "powerline-friendly" trees. For more information, check out the Energex web site.
PREPARATION WHEN STORMS APPROACH:
Listen to your local radio/TV station for official advice and warnings.
Shelter and secure pets and animals.
Store loose items inside (if possible, put outdoor furniture in your pool).
Shelter vehicles under cover or cover with tied tarpaulins / blankets.
Secure doors and windows and draw curtains.
Put valuables, medications, spare warm clothing in plastic bags with your emergency kit.
Disconnect electrical items and outside TV aerials and turn off gas.
Fill bins and boats with water.
In the case of a cyclone, fuel your car and park it under cover.
Keep timber strips, hammer and nails handy
DURING A STORM
Stay inside. Shelter clear of windows and skylights.
If power is lost, listen to the portable radio for official updates (tune to your local station).
If power is lost, turn off your stove, checking all items are off the hot plates.
If power is lost, turn off and unplug your television, computer and other electrical appliances.
If outdoors, seek solid, enclosed, shelter (not a tree).
If driving, stop clear of trees, powerlines or trees.
In the case of a cyclone, do not assume the cyclone is over if the wind drops. It may just be the "eye" of the storm. Wait for the official all-clear.
If the building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part (hallway or built-in robe) under a mattress, doona or strong table/bench.
Don’t use a fixed telephone during a storm (lighting strikes can cause high voltage power surges through the telephone equipment, causing injury to the user).
AFTER A STORM
Don't ignore official warnings or advice.
Listen to the local radio station (and/or TV station if power available) for advice, and information on damage and service disruptions.
In the case of a cyclone, do not go outside until officially advised it is safe to do so.
Check for damaged windows, walls or roof. Temporarily cover with plastic sheeting and nailed-on wooden strips.
Check for gas leaks.
Don’t use electrical appliances if wet.
Once you have checked your own property, help your neighbours.
Beware of damaged buildings, fallen trees, and flooded watercourses.
Keep well away from fallen powerlines and alert others to keep away.
Report fallen powerlines to Energex on 131962.
Report road obstructions to Logan City Council or Police.
I M P O R T A N T
P H O N E N U M B E R S
POLICELINK —131444—this is for all NON
URGENT incidents including wilful property
damage, stealing offences, break and enters,
stolen vehicles and lost property.
POLICE STATION
501 Browns Plains Road Crestmead — 3803 9555
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE—132500
BEENLEIGH COMMUNICATIONS - 3807 7770
CRIMESTOPPERS—1800 333 000
GRAFFITI HOTLINE—1800 731 026 or 3826 5115
CRESTMEAD PCYC—3805 4100
RSPCA—1300 264625—(1300 animal) FOR INJURED WILDLIFE
P H O N E N U M B E R S
POLICELINK —131444—this is for all NON
URGENT incidents including wilful property
damage, stealing offences, break and enters,
stolen vehicles and lost property.
POLICE STATION
501 Browns Plains Road Crestmead — 3803 9555
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE—132500
BEENLEIGH COMMUNICATIONS - 3807 7770
CRIMESTOPPERS—1800 333 000
GRAFFITI HOTLINE—1800 731 026 or 3826 5115
CRESTMEAD PCYC—3805 4100
RSPCA—1300 264625—(1300 animal) FOR INJURED WILDLIFE
