Fire Alarms

SINCE 1 June, Fire and Rescue NSW has attended almost 400 house fires across NSW.

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Of these, 44 per cent did not have working smoke alarms and another 20 per cent did not have a smoke alarm installed.

Fire can engulf a home in a matter of minutes and while smoke might not wake you up, a smoke alarm will, which can be the difference between life and death.

Fire and rescue workers urged people to install smoke alarms and make sure they work.

Flooding

Emergency services are busy with call-outs related to flooding.

During the week, Hinton’s water levels dropped and the suburb was officially declared no longer isolated.

Port Stephens SES said as waters receded Council needed to check roads and repair them to ensure they are safe for passage.

The service called for patience as mud and debris is removed from flood-affected roads.

Hunter River Erosion

Crews from the Port Stephens SES Unit responded to multiple reports of erosion in different locations along the Hunter River during the past week.

Erosion and subsidence often demand temporary repairs by emergency services and engineers must then inspect them before reopening them.

Permanent repairs will take longer.

The use of sandbags to prevent further erosion by redirecting water will help additional structural stability.

Returning To Areas

Millers Forest residents may now go home.

When returning to any flood-affected area, NSW SES has asked people to:
● Drive slowly, plan their route carefully to avoid any flooded roads and allow extra travel time to allow for damage to roads, bridges or buildings caused by flooding and land slips;
● Remain vigilant as there could still be water in low lying areas;
● Check in on neighbours if it is safe to do so;
● Check on animals and livestock.

If your property has been affected by floodwater the SES also asked that:
● People ensure properties are safe to enter;
● Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof and be careful of potential dangers including asbestos;
● Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off before going inside;
● Sandbags that have been in contact with floodwater need to be thrown away, sturdy gloves should be worn when handling wet sandbags as they can contain chemicals, waste, and can carry disease;
● People not eat food that has been in contact with flood water and only use clean utensils and personal items.

Livestock Safety Following Floods

A flood and its aftermath poses a unique set of challenges for livestock owners.

Hunter Local Land Services have asked livestock owners to prioritise their immediate animal welfare responsibilities by ensuring stock have adequate access to food, water and shelter.

Prolonged wet conditions can lead to significant feed shortages, higher stocking densities and intermingling of groups of animals that would not normally be kept together.

Animals are often physiologically stressed, leading to reduced immune system function and their skin and feet could be soft from prolonged wetting.

Current conditions also promote bacteria, biting insects, worm eggs and larvae.

Local Land Services ask that owners monitor their livestock closely and contact a veterinarian at any sign of disease or illness.

By Tara CAMPBELL