27 May 2010

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Public Information for Bushfires - how can we improve?

Good Morning Everyone,
 
There are two items I would like to bring to everyone's attention today - both of which are survey-related. By taking a bit of your time you will be able to highlight how and where we can make improvements to the services we provide to you, our community, in the key areas of bushfire information and education.
 
Firstly, the NSW Rural Fire Service is planning to redesign its public website. In order to do this in a way that will better service our community, the first thing to do is ask our community how we can make things better. The outcome of the new design will also then flow down to our local District website, with which most of you are familiar already, as we use the same template.
 
For more information about this survey, go to http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info_latest.cfm?CON_ID=10112. Please make sure you answer all of the questions on the survey, otherwise it won't let you hit the "submit" button.
 
There is also an opportunity to participate in the next stage of the website redevelopment (website layout) based on your own background or area of interest. Once again, this is all detailed at http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info_latest.cfm?CON_ID=10112.
 
The direct link to the survey is http://tinyurl.com/NSWRFS-PW-Survey.
 
Secondly, Sean Bull, from UTS (University of Technology, Sydney) is undertaking research titled " Attitudes, Legislation and Survival - Impacts on Dwellings in Bushfire Prone Areas" and is looking for residents of bushfire-prone areas to answer a survey related to this research. The questions cover such areas as preparation, plans and experiences. As you know, the RFS in the Blue Mountains is committed to continuous improvement and the results of Sean's survey will also be able to give us some solid evidence on what things we can focus on in the future.
 
Sean is a Blue Mountains local and obviously is keen to have as much input from Mountains residents as possible. To participate in this survey (which should only take 5 or 10 minutes to fill out), email Sean at s.m.bull@hotmail.com with the heading "Survey" and he will forward you a copy.
 
Finally, as always, I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to share this information freely. It is only by your participation that we can do a better job.
 
Regards,
 
Eric.
 
Inspector Eric J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service
Working towards a FireWise community
Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780
 
 
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14 May 2010

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Hazard Reduction burns this weekend

Good afternoon everyone,

 

There are two planned prescribed burns being undertaken over this weekend, weather permitting. The details are below:

 

1. Saturday & Sunday, 15-16/May/10 : Robyn Road, Winmalee = approx 90ha

2. Saturday & Sunday, 15-16/May/10: Chapman Pde, Faulconbridge = approx 70ha

 

These hazard reduction burns are part of a planned bushfire fuel reduction designed to protect life and property from intense wildfires. Hazard reduction will not completely stop bushfires from starting and spreading, but can assist firefighters with containment strategies and property protection.

 

All landholders, including private property, must treat bushfire hazards on their own land and prepare their own properties adequately and effectively to cope with bushfire.

 

Residents around the hazard reduction burn areas are reminded to take the following precautions:

 

- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes

- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns

- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage

- Remove washing from clotheslines

- Ensure pets have a protected area

- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on

- Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety – this includes bushwalkers, mountain bikers and dog walkers.

- If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice
 
Regards
 
Sue Hardy
Blue Mountains District Office