28 March 2012

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Change your clocks, change your smoke alarm batteries this weekend!

Firefighters are urging householders to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks at the end of Daylight Saving on April 1.
 
Taking a few minutes to ensure smoke alarms were working properly could buy valuable time for families during an emergency.
 
Every year, smoke alarms alert hundreds of NSW families to fires in their homes, allowing them a safe escape.
 
Smoke alarms can save lives but only if they are in proper working order. A smoke alarm with a flat battery is just as bad as no smoke alarm at all.
 
In 2011, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) attended almost 5000 home fires which tragically killed 20 people and injured hundreds of others.
 
It is vital that you protect yourself and your family by making sure you have working smoke alarms. It only takes a few minutes for fire to engulf a home, destroying property, possessions and lives. It's crucial you test your smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. In the event of a fire, call Triple Zero (000) from a safe place and wait for firefighters to arrive.
 
It is also recommended that photo-electric smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms and hallways.
 
It's also essential for people to install smoke alarms in caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep under new laws introduced on 25 February 2011.
 
 
 
Inspector Eric Berry
Community Safety Officer
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE                         
Blue Mountains District
Cnr Valley and Bathurst Roads
Katoomba NSW 2780
 
T: 02 4784 7444
M: 0414 195 615
F: 02 4784 7461
 
 

01 March 2012

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Flood Information sources & National Park closures

Friends,

On behalf of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, please find below a link to closure information relating to the Blue Mountains NP. 


Please remember that significant amounts of rain are still predicted for the general area, along with possible minor-to-moderate flooding in some of the surrounding rivers and catchment areas.

As mentioned yesterday:

For further information, please refer to one of the following (as appropriate):

For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately!
For storm/flood assistance, call the State Emergency Service 132 500

NSW SES Current Information & Warnings - http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/
NSW SES on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NSW.SES

Bureau of Meteorology Warnings for NSW - http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

RTA Live Traffic Information (Including road closures) - http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au or call 132 701

Local Updates:
Blue Mountains LAC NSW Police Force - https://www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsLAC
Blue Mountains City Council - http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au

Penrith SES Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/PenrithSES
Penrith LAC NSW Police Force - https://www.facebook.com/PenrithLAC



Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater!

Floodwater can be deeper and faster flowing than it appears. It can contain hidden snags, debris and contaminants such as sewage, chemicals and dead animals. Floodwater can erode road surfaces. Entering floodwater is the major cause of death during floods.

Above all, Keep Calm and Stay Safe!

Regards,
Blue Mountains Emergency Services, working together.



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