Summer is just around the corner

There are a number of safety hazards to be mindful of when conducting monitoring over summer. It is important that volunteer safety is a priority for the EstuaryWatch program.  Here are some tips to eliminate or minimise risks associated with EstuaryWatch monitoring over the summer months. 

  • When planning to conduct monitoring, check the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or other reliable information systems to establish the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) and Total Fire Ban Days.  This check must be done a week before when coordinating monitoring and on the day of monitoring as last minute changes and updates are possible to the FDR.

 

  • When conditions are declared as a Total Fire Ban Day, volunteers are not to work at outdoor sites. 

     

  • When a Total Fire Ban Day is not declared, please refer to your bushfire plan to help decide whether to go ahead with your scheduled monitoring or postpone it to a later date.

     

  • While monitoring stay tuned to your local ABC radio station or refer to the VicEmergency mobile app for alerts and warnings.

     

  • SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on some sunscreen, SLAP on a hat and SLIDE on some sunglasses. Visit the SunSmart website www.sunsmart.com.au for more information on how to protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

     

  • Drink plenty of water. Take a couple of drink bottles of water with you when you go out monitoring to keep you hydrated.

 

  • Avoid the hotest part of the day.  Try to schedule monitoring early in the morning before it gets too hot.  You may even try a twilight monitoring session.

 

  • Snakes are generally more active over the warmer months. To minimise the risk of a snake bite, avoid walking through thickly vegetated areas, don’t step or put your hands where you cannot see, wear sturdy closed toe shoes and loose-fitting long pants.  Call triple 000 if bitten by a snake.

     

  • Make sure to carry a mobile phone and tell someone when you expect to be home from monitoring.

 

  • There is often increased traffic on the roads over summer. Drive with caution.  Try and carpool with fellow monitors and consider scheduling your monitoring ealier in the day or early evening to avoid traffic.  For more safe driving tips visit Safe driving tips:VicRoads

 

If you have any questions about safe monitoring procedures please get in touch with your Regional EstuaryWatch Coordinator.

 

Written by Rose Herben, Corangamite CMA