Copy of december 2011.pub - Lazyfish Technology

December 2011 Kangaroo Valley Voice www.kangaroovalley.nsw.au Page 39
Quiet for now!!!.... but!!
No bush fire activity this month, with
the weather generally staying a bit
damper.
However, we are starting to see some very
hot days here and there which will
probably be the pattern this summer, so
it’s important that you still think of your
fire plans and ensure that all fire
equipment is ready to go on short notice.
And a reminder (see last month’s Voice): there
is lots of grass and new growth throughout the
state. Once it dries, we are highly likely to
experience grass fires – more dangerous than a
bush fire as they are very fast moving and can
easily block off escape routes.
So, the message is: be prepared.
We will be well into summer before the next
Voice comes out so be prepared and hopefully
we will only see you socially over the
Christmas period.
Members and donors, don’t forget about the
Christmas party: 11 December.
Hope to see you there.
October call-outs
Unfortunately the brigade has been called to
two house fires in the last 2 weeks.
1ST CALL-OUT was to a house in
Bellawongarah around 11.30 am that had a fire
in a downstairs room, caused by a refrigerator.
The valley brigade attended with a good crew
response and assisted Beaumont brigade with
extinguishing and cleaning up this fire that
fortunately did not cause too much damage.
2ND CALL-OUT came at 1.30 am in the morning
to a house alight in Brown's Mountain,
Cambewarra and we were to assist
Cambewarra, and several other brigades, in
controlling this fire.
Unfortunately the house was well alight and
suffered extensive damage. The three crew
who attended used the CABA gear (breathing
apparatus) that we carry on our trucks to enter
the building and attack the fire and were also
tasked to supply water to the RFS pumper on
scene. Without this equipment the heat and toxic
smoke from a house fire would mean that you
can only attack the fire from outside the building
and is likely that the building will suffer greater
damage from fire and water and much greater
risk to the firies of smoke inhalation.
After a long night we made it back to station at
6.30 am, in time to go to work.
Last Sunday, two crews from the Valley
conducted a radio blackspot survey throughout
the Valley to identify any problem areas where
we have trouble getting radio reception.
This was bought about as we are changing to a
new GRN radio network, which should give us
greater coverage and help to overcome some
safety issues once it is fully operational.
The RFS will work with Optus to extend the
signal into these problem areas, and enable us to
position a mobile repeater in the event of a large
fire to assist with radio communication.
Thanks to the crews who gave up their time to
assist with this and also respond to call-outs this
month.
Guide to action: December–January
You don't want to work too hard in the festive
season, but fire safety's important. So...
1 While you're watering the garden or cleaning
out the shed for a visit from the rellos, why not
check the fire pump and hoses are in good order?
2 Clean out your gutters...and get a tan at the
same time
3 Take a moment to admire the glow of your
Christmas tree lights and candles, then turn them
off/blow them out before bed
4 Gather the family to go through your Bushfire
Survival Plan...and finish up with some carols
5 Hold a BBQ to burn up some bushfire fuel --
guests earn their meal by gathering sticks (Check
the fire danger rating before you light it up)
KANGAROO VALLEY PHARMACY
SHOP 2 / 162 MOSS VALE RD.
PH. (02) 4465 2772 FAX (02) 4465 2773
OPEN 6 DAYS: MON-FRI 9 am to 5 pm
SAT 9 am to 12 noon
For all your Prescriptions and all Pharmaceutical Requisites.
NATIO (Natural Australian Beauty) COSMETICS
Tired of misplacing your scripts.....
We can take care of your prescriptions in our filing system.
See us about the Webster-pak System that sets out all tablets and capsules in blister
packs for each time of the day, for each day of the week.
COME IN AND SAY HELLO TO JAN & DAN COLE
AT YOUR PHARMACY
Season’s greetings from your pharmacy.
Saturday December 24 open 9 till 3
Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 25-27 December
Closed Monday January 2, 2012
Firey Tales
by Cinderfella
From the RFS website: “With recent droughtbreaking
rains resulting in significant grass
growth, communities across NSW are facing a
difficult fire season… Grass fires can be
especially dangerous because they can start
quickly and spread rapidly, catching people off
-guard.They can…produce large amounts of
heat which can kill anyone caught out in the
open.” The NSW Rural Fire Service urge
people to be aware and well prepared.
So, what can you do?
News
Some of you may have noticed that the fire
station is getting a coat of paint to refresh it, as
it was starting to look a bit tired.
Bit of a new color to brighten it up. Please feel
free at any time to call in and make yourself
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