23 February 2009 in Jamie’s View
Recently I spent the afternoon with the local CFS Commander and a Group Captain touring areas of the Adelaide Hills as they assessed the bush fire risk to houses.
I must say it was a real eye opener. Some residents seem oblivious to the warning signs, even in the wake of the Victorian tragedy. Gutters filled with leaves, yards covered in grass and branches. For the CFS it was a frustrating drive.
The Scout motto of “be prepared” has never been more appropriate. I urge all Hills residents to have a second look around their yard and in their gutters, are you prepared.
The huge loss of life in the Victorian bushfires has come as an enormous shock to us all. It is hard to imagine in this day and age that so many people can die in such extraordinary circumstances.
Last weekends National Day of Mourning was an appropriate time for us to reflect on those who died and also those who survived and the hardships they now face.
I was proud to be part of the Federal Parliaments response to the Victorian tragedy. Politicians from both sides putting aside their ideological differences to listen to updates from the fire front and emotional accounts from the MPs whose electorates were affected.
In time we should review all aspects of fighting bushfires including, the stay and defend advice, fire proof bunkers for homes in high risk areas and the need for undergrowth reductions.
A tragedy of this size and nature brings out the very best in us as Australians. The sense of community and mateship is something we can all be proud of.
Those of us who live in the Hills should never forget the fragility of life. We choose to live surrounded by nature but there are risks.
The Scout motto of “be prepared” has never been more appropriate. I urge all Hills residents to have a second look around their yard and in their gutters, are you prepared.
We must remember property can be replaced but lives can’t.