|
LIGHTNING RIDGE
State Emergency Service
Safety Information
The safety information following is supplied for your reference. It has been copied from pamphlets and leaflets supplied by the State Emergency Service and/or Emergency Management Australia for public information and education.
Flood Action
Before the Flood
* Keep a portable Radio and fresh batteries
* Clear property of potential flood debris (empty drums, timber etc)
* Know your community disaster plan
* Know potential flood areas in your locality
* Know your nearest high land and line of retreat
* Collect tinned food, water containers, emergency lighting, candles, clothing, first aid kit, medicines, money and identification.
Upon a flood warning
* Listen to your radio and TV for instructions and bulletins
* Fill clean water containers
* move possessions to flood free storage or above estimated flood height
* Fuel car
* remove electric motors above estimated flood height
* grease machinery likely to be covered by water
* don't ignore warnings
On warning of a local evacuation
* switch off electricity and gas
* empty fridges and deep freezers - leave doors and lids open
* take emergency evacuation kit
* follow evacuation instructions
Driving in flood areas
* avoid areas subject to inundation
* beware of washouts, fallen power lines and floating objects
* do not enter flood water before checking depth
* If safe to cross, remove fan belt and cover distributor
* proceed slowly and steadily
* dry out brakes by applying light pressure until grip returns
* drive slowly at night - potholes and clean water cannot be seen
During the flood
* don't drink flood water
* don't spread rumours
* don't use phone unless in need of help or need to report an emergency
* don't use boats for sightseeing or to cross fast moving water
* don't mix flood water and alcohol - you may drown
* don't hinder operations by sightseeing
* watch out for snakes, centipedes and spiders
* store garbage above flood level
After the flood
* don't use food or drinks which have been in contact with flood water
* don't visit the disaster areas
* Don't handle wet electrical equipment
* don't use electrical or gas equipment which has been flooded until checked by a qualified tradesman
* boil all water until supplies are declared safe to drink
* report damaged utility lines to appropriate authorities
* clean up flood debris in and around property
* use disinfectant for cleaning
* wear shoes in any area which has been flooded
DON'T IGNORE WARNINGS
(NP 83/25403/76, Government printer)
Lightning protection - action guide
Danger during thunderstorms
Each year in Australia lightning claims up to ten lives and causes over 100 injuries. Up to 80 of those injuries happen when people use telephones during thunderstorms and receive an electric shock, hearing damage, or burns when lightning strikes telephone wires in their area. Take these precautions before and during thunderstorms:
Take action now
* Protect yourself and family by following advice on this guide. Keep it handy on the fridge or by the phone.
* Check with your local council for advice on lightning conductors for homes and other buildings.
If caught outdoors
If you hear thunder 10 seconds after a lightning flash, it is only about 3 kilometres away. The shorter the time, the closer the lightning, so find shelter urgently as follows:
* seek shelter in a hard top vehicle or solid building - avoid small structures or fabric tents.
* Never shelter under small groups of (or single) trees
* if far from shelter, crouch (alone, feet together), preferably in a hollow. Remove metal objects from head/body. Don't lie down (avoid being highest object).
* If your hair stands on end or you hear buzzing on nearby rocks, fences etc, move immediately. At night a blue glow may show if an object is about to be struck.
* Don't fly kites or model planes with control wires.
* Don't handle fishing rods, umbrellas or golf clubs etc.
* stay away from metal poles, fences, clothes lines etc.
* Don't ride horses, cycles or drive in open vehicles.
* If driving, slow down or park away from trees, power lines etc. Stay inside metal-bodied (hard top) vehicles or caravans but don't touch any metal sections.
* If swimming, surfing, etc, leave the water immediately.
* If boating go ashore to shelter as soon as possible. (A bridge or high jetty may offer immediate protection).
* Be sure the mast and stays of a sailing boat are adequately grounded to the water.
If you are indoors
* Before the storm arrives, disconnect external aerial and power leads to radios and television sets. Disconnect computer modems and power leads.
* draw all curtains and keep clear of windows, electrical appliances, pipes and other metal fixtures (eg don't take a bath or shower).
* Avoid use of telephones. In emergencies, make calls brief, (don't touch any metal, brick or concrete) and don't stand bare foot on concrete or tiled floors.
First Aid
* Apply immediate heart massage and mouth to mouth resuscitation to lightning victims until medical help arrives and they will have a good chance of survival. (You won't receive a shock from the victim).
Lightning Facts and Myths
* When struck, people do not glow or fry to a crisp but the heart and breathing are often effected.
* Only about 30% of people struck, actually die, and the incidence of long term disability is low, particularly when first aid is applied promptly.
* If your clothes are wet, you are less likely to be seriously injured if struck, as most of the charge will conduct through the wet clothes rather then your body.
* Average lightning bolts carry a current of 10,000 to 30,000 amps. An average radiator draws 10 amps.
* Lightning can, and often does, strike more than once in the same place.
* Worldwide, thunderstorms are producing approximately 6,000 lightning strikes every minute!
(Emergency Management Australia - Lightning protection action guide)
|
