In anticipation of the approaching storm and fire season,
Latter-day Saints in Nowra, New South Wales, invited their
neighbours to an October lunch and Emergency Preparedness Day.
Presentations, displays and take-home information alerted visitors
to possible disasters and how to respond to them.
Participants learned ways to prevent tragedies and deal with fires,
floods, bushfires and earthquakes. Instruction was given by the NSW
Rural fire Service, the Department of Human Services, and the State
Emergency Service.
Greg Quinton, First Counsellor in the Nowra District Presidency,
served with Centrelink's Emergency Reserve in the Queensland Floods
earlier this year; he also helped battle Victorian bushfires in
2009. "Many people I knew died in the firestorm," he said. "I have
experienced the effect disasters can have on lives."
The FireWise program, presented by the Rural Fire Service,
explained new Fire Danger Ratings, the "Leave Early" and "Stay and
Defend" plans, and ways to "Prepare, Act, Survive." Much of the
fire training consisted of new information coming from studies of
the Victorian bushfires in 2009. More than 170 people died in those
fires.
Participant Fiona Heagney, commenting on the activity, said, "My
family is going to make some required changes to protect ourselves
and our home from fire."
The Department of Human Services provided a video and display
explaining the financial and emotional support available to
disaster victims. The State Emergency Service contributed
information on flood and storm safety.
Church members brought 72-Hour Kits—designed to sustain life in
immediate evacuation situations--and told how individual families
can customize them to fit their needs and budget.
Fire-damaged building photos, projected in the displays room,
were sobering reminders of the importance of disaster preparation.
"At the end of the day," commented President Quinton, "we all
gained a deeper meaning of 'if ye are prepared, ye shall not
fear'." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30)