PSA ON NSW FIRES
as many of you know Australia is burning. there are fires in the north of NSW and in the south of QLD. unfortunately there have been casualties, numerous properties lost and over 300 koalas and other wildlife succumb to the fire.
from Newcastle to Katoomba and Kiama (Illawarra/ Shoalhaven Heads and such also included) are, from the 11th of november till the 17th of november, in catastrophic conditions and catastrophic fire conditions.
this is the view from my house
and I'm several hours away from the fire.
myself, my eldest brother and my mother all volunteer with the RFS so our understanding of what's happening is a lot more clearer than some, please read this and know that the +3000 fire crews are working their hardest day and night to keep you and your loved ones safe. my brother is currently on deployment and my mother leaves thursday as i try to offer my best assistance down here, we know how times are tough, we understand how times are tough, we are here to support you all.
a southerly has hit and will push the fire in new directions and it is becoming unpredictable. embers are estimated to be traveling at 30km/h so make sure you stay up to date on any changes with the NSW Fires Near Me app. please be aware Sydney and the coast are, as of 6pm 12/11/19, pushing through a dust storm.
some advice and tips for staying safe:
stay hydrated and drink double the amount of water
please keep your fluids up i cannot stress that enough
don't stay outside in the sun and if you do, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses if you have them
do not throw rubbish and cigarette stubs out the window even if they seem to be out. if you see someone do this call crime stoppers at 1800 333 000 and report them
call friends and family if they are close to the fire and make sure they are okay and that they have a fire plan, remind them to never leave it too late
if you are have asthma, are sick or have difficulty breathing please wear a mask no matter how ridiculous you feel. rather you look ridiculous than get smoke inhalation. smoke is thinner than you'd expect and because it's so fine, it goes deeper into your lungs and sticks there. it doesn't take much to cause problems
if you have pets, please bring them inside and if you can't, make sure they have shade, access to water and if they're animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, please make sure they are tagged with your name, number and address, and make sure they have a way to escape if you have to let them go
make sure you and your family have a fire plan. it takes five minutes to make. sit down with your family and make one
keep a first aid kit, pack of water, towels, extra socks, blankets, toilet paper or paper towels, and if you have any priceless items pack them in a box to easily grab if you have to leave
to give your house extra protection keep the gutters clear, clear dead bushes from property and cut low hanging branches
if you're on tank water please save it for an emergency and do not waste water by hosing your yard or house down
it is such a trying time but we all need to come together as a community and support one another.
the RFS have the legal power to:
evacuate people within declared areas
close roads
pull down or shore up infrastructure at risk of collapse
order the shutdown of gas, electricity, water and oil
enter and take possesion of property in the course of emergency response
please listen to those in yellow, do not argue with them, they are there to help you.
you cannot expect firefighters to save your house. you cannot expect them to save sheds or vehicals. but you can count on them keeping you and your family safe.
material items can be replaced, loved ones cannot.
don't leave it too late to leave. fire moves quicker than people expect. respect the fire, stay safe and look out for one another.
if you have any questions about anything please message me and i will offer my best help with whatever it may be.
i love you all, stay safe australia.
