Flood risk and fire season preparation will be front and centre at the Emergency Response Expo at Castlemaine’s Western Reserve this Saturday October 8.
The event is expected to be bigger than ever with close to 30 organisations attending, including the SES, CFA, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, DELWP, Disaster Legal Help Victoria, and Wildlife Victoria.
SES Castlemaine Deputy Controller Daniel Bone said the expo presents a unique opportunity to meet with local first responders and emergency workers to learn how to prepare your home and family for floods, bushfires, storms and other emergencies.
“With local catchments and dams across the Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges at capacity and a third La Niña event confirmed there is a very high risk of flooding across the region in the coming months,” he said.
“Simple preparations now such as cleaning out your gutters, tidying up around your property and looking at where the water will travel could be vital in preventing or reducing the impact of flooding on your home.
“We will have historical mapping available so you can learn if you are at risk and what you can do to prepare.”
Chewton Fire Brigade Community Safety Officer Rob Reid Smith said they will also be speaking to community members about the new Fire Danger Rating system.
Rob said while the risk of bushfire may be reduced this year as a result of the recent rain events it was important people prepare for the fire season regardless.
“There will be a heightened risk of grassfires this season so property owners alongside empty blocks, paddocks and grasslands will need to be prepared and vigilant,” he said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Forest and Fire Operations Officer Nick Richardson said as the weather warms, it is also important people follow campfire safety rules to keep themselves, others and the environment safe.
“Campers are responsible for building and keeping safe campfires, including where and what they use and never leaving it unattended, even for a short while. Don’t let your campfire become a bushfire,” Nick said.
At the expo can also learn practical skills such as CPR, sandbagging, fire safety and wildlife rescue skills.
The expo will also include a barbecue provided by the Lions Club, coffee cart, talks from first responders, demonstrations – including an SES demonstration with the jaws of life, displays of the latest vehicles and equipment emergency services use in the field, and activities for children including a petting zoo, a toy truck, face painting, lawn games, balloon art and more.
The expo will run from 11am to 3pm. Entry is free. A gold coin donation to the local CFA and SES is welcome.
