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Sirens for Community Alert Survey
Posted: 02-Feb-2010
Edited 09-Apr-2010
MORE DISTINCT or PROLONGED CFA SIREN FOR DANDENONGS' FIRE ALERT??? Authorities say… If we want it, we must prove it by voting. Please complete the online survey to voice your opinion, its only a couple of questions. To instigate a second distinct siren sound
"DRCBG is a community based focus group dealing with issues post Black Saturday that can impact the Dandenong Ranges area. We are not politically offilliated and have welcomed bipartisan support for the initiatives that are currently underway. We would like to thank the local Federal members Jason Wood and Tony Smith for their assistance in ensuring wider community coverage for our community survey on the use of CFA sirens." "For those that may consider joining the group to help support better bushfire safety initiatives, go to "membership" or please feel free to call with any questions you may have." Our safety relies on many things, and this is only one of a portfolio of steps. It is not a substitute for leaving early, but fires do start on lesser risk days and for those who plan to stay and defend it is a critical support and communication. CFA Sirens have been an ingrained part of “the Hills Culture" for over 100 years, relied upon by residents to warn of impending danger and time and time again saving lives. To quote our new CFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mick Bourke “the fire siren was given a special reverence in town. Everything stopped when that went off and it struck deep concern within you that there was something wrong” (Royal Auto Magazine - December 2009 issue) DRCBG have proposes this be applied to the volunteer CFA Brigades throughout the Dandenong Ranges. However this is not something that authorities plan to develop. The Office of the Emergency Services has developed a stringent 6 part process that we as a community must go through to get permission to proceed. At this stage we have:
The next stage is that we are required to obtain majority support of the entire community which is no small task. To be successful we need EVERYONE to vote. The attached three files can be used as you please. In March 2009 a survey conducted by the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group (DRCBG) clearly indicated that a majority of respondents wanted an "Emergency Early Warning System” for our Community. The retention of existing CFA Sirens to alert the community to immediate “Life Threatening Emergency” was viewed as an obvious solution. This uses existing infrastructure, technology and a recognised method of communication. Not all people will hear it, but it is the first step of an ongoing process. Those who hear it will undoubtedly share the information in the strong community spirit that we have. We quote Gary, a resident from Upwey: "If you want to hear a CFA Siren sound to alert the community of an immediate “Life Threatening Emergency” you must show your support NOW!!!! We must use whatever resources we have available to prevent a similar disaster to “Black Saturday” happening again. The Dandenong Ranges is one of the three most “Dangerous Bushfire” areas in the world. Be mindful that it’s not "if it will happens again” but it’s "when it will happen again”. Sirens may be annoying and keep children awake, but not being alerted to ‘Life Threatening Emergencies” has well proven catastrophic consequences. The CFA has made it very clear that no one can expect a knock at your door. “YOU" are responsible for your own safety and that of your family. The greatest risk to one’s life is apathy and complacency."Please participate and vote now… For ongoing news register your email address at
secretary@drcbg.org.au Sirens DRCBG Proposal Group Brigades Letter.pdf Mel Gajdek Ph: 03 9755 2313
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