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Regional Victorians Urged To Get Floodsafe Regional Victorians are being encouraged to remember the dangers of entering floodwaters as part of FloodSafe Week, an initiative from the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES). By Russell Northe - 8th May 2013 - Back to News During the regional launch of FloodSafe Week in Traralgon today, the Member for Morwell Russell Northe, representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells, said FloodSafe Week helps educate Victorians about flood risks and safety.
¡§The number one cause of death, illness and injury during floods is due to people entering floodwater,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
¡§I urge Victorians to get involved in local FloodSafe Week events, take the opportunity to learn how to stay safe during floods and support our hardworking SES volunteers,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
The 2013 FloodSafe Week campaign, which runs from 6 May to 13 May, focuses on the dangers of entering floodwaters.
¡§During the last three major flood events the SES responded to 265 flood rescues, so it¡¦s clear that people don¡¦t understand the risks,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
¡§Many of these rescues were due to irresponsible people entering floodwater with no regard for their own safety, or the safety of the emergency services personnel called to their rescue.¡¨
The key messages during FloodSafe Week include:
„h If you knew what was in it, you wouldn¡¦t go in it
„h Playing in floodwater exposes you to more than the risk of drowning.
„h Prepare an emergency kit and formulate an emergency plan
„h Never swim, play or walk in floodwater.
Mr Northe said a FloodSafe Week advertising campaign, targeted at children and young men, would highlight the message that floodwaters are dangerous.
¡§While playing in floodwater may look fun, don¡¦t be fooled. Currents can change without warning and floodwaters can be filled with broken glass and debris, along with animal waste and industrial chemicals.
¡§While the water may look gentle on the surface, it¡¦s never safe to enter floodwaters.¡¨
Mr Northe reminded Victorians of the risks of driving, riding or walking through floodwaters and said floodwater is not a safe place for children.
¡§Floods cause more loss of life than any other natural disaster in Australia, and nearly three-quarters of fatalities in floods involve young men aged 10 to 29,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
¡§Many young children also think its fun to play or swim in floodwaters, but that¡¦s the number one cause of child and teenage deaths during floods.¡¨
Victoria has experienced nine episodes of major flooding since September 2010, causing some $2 billion in damage.
For more information go to www.ses.vic.gov.au
Media contact: Russell Northe 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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Farmers in East Gippsland and eastern Victoria face rising pest animal impacts, with ASAC urging coordinated government action, long-term funding and improved control measures to protect agriculture, livelihoods and communities. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland. - Melina Bath criticises Labor for leaving Gippsland commuters on outdated paper tickets, delaying Myki upgrades until 2028
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor for leaving Gippsland commuters on outdated paper tickets, with Myki upgrades delayed until 2028, causing frustration, inconvenience, and barriers for regional public transport users. - Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions. - Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students. - Noojee chosen for Healthy Forest Plans Pilot with $4M funding to boost tourism and local economy
Baw Baw Shire welcomes Noojee’s $4 million Healthy Forest Plans Pilot funding, part of a $30 million Victorian government initiative to boost regional tourism, support economic transition, and create local jobs. - Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
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