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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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