Message from The Area Coordinator
What a start to the new year with the extreme weather. It is hoped that you will have taken some notice of the advertising in the media but if not please see the information needed to GET READY for adverse conditions. First big storm of the new year the SES were called out many times to situations which could have been avoided if people had cleaned out their gutters as advised. This will save the possibility of a leaking roof or much worse damage.
Thanks to all of you who attended Crestmead Community Carols at the beginning of December and to those who supported our group by purchasing raffle tickets. We hope that you enjoyed the evening and plans will be in place for another event this year hopefully with the renovations of Pinnington Park to be completed by then. Councillor Phil Pidgeon is to acknowledged for getting the event off the ground and thanks to all who helped get the event going.
That includes PCYC, Bendigo Bank, Logan Village Fire Brigade and Crestmead Police for escorting Santa to the event and the Kingsridge Church and Good News Theatre - the animals were a great hit!
Our events this year will hopefully involve some day time meetings for those who are unable to attend in the evening. Also Neighbour Day in March, and combined events with the Crestmead PCYC such as movies in the park amongst others. Following the Road Safety Expo last year we will be holding another in October which is primed to be bigger and better. I hope that you will support our fundraising and social events and if there is any particular subject you would like addressed at our monthly meetings please let me know by email (address overleaf) and we will try and arrange for it to be covered.
With the current weather conditions as they are the threat of bushfires is still possible and therefore we must all be on our guard. Just because we live in suburbia does not mean that a bushfire along Bumstead Road, Browns Plains Road, Chambers Flat Rd or Clarke Road would not affect the houses on opposite sides of the roads - fires can jump great distances and the embers can be carried in the wind to light the leaves in your gutters, the pile of rubbish in your yard you have been meaning to take to the tip or even setting alight power lines which can then fall and start fires in different areas.
Good news from the Qld Police that another POLAIR is to be used in south east Qld - it is a great resource for helping our police and keeping us safe. We know POLAIR 1 has been in use many times over Logan but should feel reassured by it’s presence rather than annoyed with any noise that may accompany it.
Finally a note about the statistics- these have been taken from the map which can be accessed online through the NHWQ website. I have included a few other offences which we have not covered before and you will note that it covers a much longer period than usual. However the GOOD news is that many of the offences have been solved therefore it is reassuring that the increase in police numbers that are now available to our local stations are having a big difference. Take care Geoff
GET READY QUEENSLAND
Step 1 PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN
Are you in a flood prone area, surrounded by bush or were you affected by the Australia Day event last year with the tail end of Cyclone Oswald? If you are separated when a disaster happens (at school or work etc) how will you stay in touch and where will you meet up? Where would you go if you need to evacuate your household? Compile a list of emergency contact phone numbers. If anyone in the family has specific medical conditions or special needs and will need assistance are you prepared? What plans do you need to make for your pets?
Step 2 PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT include
Items you would need for at least 3 days in case of disruption to essential services such as power and water supplies. Keep your kit in a waterproof storage container and store in an easy to access location. Check the kit every few months to stock up and rotate supplies (including medication) to ensure that provisions are fresh and safe to use.
Also include the equipment you need to prepare meals with no power.
Step 3 PREPARE YOUR HOME
Keep your roof in good condition and check it regularly.
Keep gutters and downpipes clear so that water can drain away quickly. Trim trees and overhanging branches but BE AWARE OF ANY OVERHEAD POWERLINES Check and fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations and loose fittings. Ensure that your home, contents and car insurance is current and adequate. Check if your policy includes debris clean up and removal. Identify your strongest room to shelter in during a severe storm or cyclone. Identify where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power and gas. Have items on hand such as water storage containers, spare fuel for your vehicle, camp stove & fuel for cooking without power etc.
Step 4 TUNE INTO WARNINGS
Tune in to your local radio and TV station to listen for warnings and weather updates and local community safety announcements. Log on to the Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au) for weather warnings. Qld Disaster Management website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au) for information on disaster events. Your local council for local information on the emergency, evacuation centres and routes and assistance after a disaster event.
www.logan.qld.gov.au
DO YOUR BIT TO HELP REDUCE THE IMPACT OF A DISASTER IN OUR AREA - NOT IF IT WILL HAPPEN BUT WHEN!
REMEMBER NOT TO LEAVE ANIMALS OR
CHILDREN UNATTENDED IN HOT VEHICLES.
The temperature can rise dramatically and within minutes your loved one could be unconscious and suffer brain damage or worse still die from the effects.
Whether you are just “popping in” for a minute to a shop or wherever it is not worth taking the chance.
