ACT SES Rivers Unit

Three Rivers Unit members are currently at Lake Tinaroo in Far North Queensland as part of the larger ACT SES team competing in the National Disaster Rescue Challenge.

Over two days, teams will be faced with a range of storm, flood and rescue scenarios. Each state and territory will be facing off to see who scores the most points over the challenge.

Join us in wishing good luck to Team ACT!

A new national warning system, AusAlert, is being tested across Australia today. The test will take place at 2:00 pm (AEST).

All compatible mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.

Phones and devices that receive the test alert may vibrate and emit a loud, siren-like sound that will last for about 10 seconds.

This is part of planned trials of the system, to ensure it works when it matters most.

If this could disrupt you or cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time, and leave them off for at least one hour.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

AusAlert is designed to deliver faster alerts, reach more people and remain reliable even during network congestion.

Learn more: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/

🌧️ Showers and gusty winds are continuing to impact the ACT .

Whilst conditions have eased since Wednesday night, showers and gusty winds are continuing to impact parts of the ACT today. With recent rainfall the ground is fully saturated, this increases the risk that trees may come down in strong winds.

Yesterday our unit had a crew continuing to respond to requests for assistance, mainly for downed branches and trees.

If a tree comes down in your property or local area, it's important to know who to call. The ACTSES can assist with downed branches and trees if:
🏠 A branch or tree has fallen and damaged property
🚧 A branch or tree has fallen and is blocking a road, or access to a property
🌳 A branch or tree is threatening to fall and poses a threat to safety

If a branch or tree has fallen in your property and is safely on the ground, contact a local arborist to arrange clean up. If a branch or tree has fallen in a public space, such as a local park, and is safely on the ground, lodge a request through Fix My Street.

📞 If you require emergency assistance in storms and floods, call the ACTSES on 132 500. In a life threatening emergency, call 000.

🌧️💨 Rain and strong winds caused storm damage and flooding across parts of the ACT overnight.

Our unit’s crews have been busy over the past 24 hours, with crews working overnight and into the day today to respond to storm damage incidents.

🌊 Additionally, heavy falls caused localised flooding of low lying creek and river crossings.

🚨 If you need emergency assistance in storms and floods, call the ACTSES on 132 500. In a life threatening emergency, call 000.

🌧️ Heads up Canberra, we've got some rain coming.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting between 20mm to 50mm of rain to fall across Canberra over the next two days.

If you require emergency assistance, you can contact the ACT State Emergency Service on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

The ACTSES can help you if:
🌳 A tree has fallen on or blocked access to your property or driveway
🌲 A tree is at risk of falling on or blocking access to your property or driveway
🌊 Your property is flooded or is in danger of flooding,
🏚️ Your roof is damaged as a result of a storm

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, head to the ACTESA website: https://esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready

🏆 12 Rivers Unit members were recently recognised as part of the ACT State Emergency Service annual Awards and Honours night.

Both individuals, and field crews were recognised for going above and beyond expected duties in operations, training and community engagement.

Members issued awards include:
⭐ John Andersen, Unit Training Officer and Deputy Team Leader - Awarded the Commander’s Commendation for Exemplary Service, the Chief Officer’s Citation for Diligent Service, and the Chief Officer’s Citation for Exemplary Service.
⭐ Simone De Camillis, Deputy Training Officer - Awarded the Chief Officer’s Citation for Exemplary Service.
⭐ Spencer Calderwood, Unit Community Engagement Officer and Deputy Team Leader - Awarded the Chief Officer’s Citation for Diligent Service.
⭐ Jeremy Hagan, Team Leader - Awarded the Chief Officer’s Citation for Diligent Service.

In addition to these members, two field crews from Rivers Unit were awarded the Chief Officer’s Unit Citation for Exemplary Service. These include:

⭐ Huw Rowlands, Nick Staniforth, Ethan Connell and Phil Macmillan for their outstanding actions in relation to an incident of particularly difficult nature.
⭐Aileen McCowie, Hugh Hagan, Terry Senior and Jono Anderson for going above expected service duties when assisting a cyclist after a collision with a motor vehicle.

👏 Please join us in congratulating these members!

Next Wednesday (📆 20 May) is Wear Orange Wednesday - a national day of appreciation for the State Emergency Service.

It’s all about putting the spotlight on volunteers who selflessly give to their community.

Get involved on the day by dressing in orange, hosting a morning tea, or sharing your gratitude.