I got a few Skype messages today asking if we were OK, or anywhere near the terrible Bush Fires in Victoria. Mercifully we are over 10 hours drive from the afflicted area, but it rams home the seriousness of the combination of drought conditions, extreme heat and hot winds, all of which we have experienced here in recent weeks. The hottest spell in many years.
The pictures we've seen on telly are devastating, I can't imagine what those poor people are going through. At work today, my company Phil Hoffmann Travel announced they would divert $1,600 meant for an office party into funds for the afflicted. All staff have also volunteered to give blood, with the burns victims in mind. I wanted to give blood too, but am unable as I am a Brit in Oz, and only Nationals, can donate. It's like I'm quaranteened, or a mudblood like Hermione Granger in Harry Potter. On Friday, we'll have a casual day, when staff have to contribute a few dollars to the relief funds in return for a sausage sizzle at lunch time. (A controlled BBQ!)
Strict bans are in place here too. The Grass, bush and trees are all tinder dry and the Fire Brigade and CFS are regularly patrolling areas, as the risk of arson in particular is so great. We are living in a "semi risk" area so have to be aware of a 10 point plan to protect the home and people. Sirens do sound in this area whenever a fire brigade is called out locally. We are then meant to seek more information on local radio, telly or at info centres.
The pictures we've seen on telly are devastating, I can't imagine what those poor people are going through. At work today, my company Phil Hoffmann Travel announced they would divert $1,600 meant for an office party into funds for the afflicted. All staff have also volunteered to give blood, with the burns victims in mind. I wanted to give blood too, but am unable as I am a Brit in Oz, and only Nationals, can donate. It's like I'm quaranteened, or a mudblood like Hermione Granger in Harry Potter. On Friday, we'll have a casual day, when staff have to contribute a few dollars to the relief funds in return for a sausage sizzle at lunch time. (A controlled BBQ!)
Strict bans are in place here too. The Grass, bush and trees are all tinder dry and the Fire Brigade and CFS are regularly patrolling areas, as the risk of arson in particular is so great. We are living in a "semi risk" area so have to be aware of a 10 point plan to protect the home and people. Sirens do sound in this area whenever a fire brigade is called out locally. We are then meant to seek more information on local radio, telly or at info centres.
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