Russell Broadbent here, your Federal Member for Monash.
One year ago today, the community of Mirboo North and surrounds were hit by an unexpected tornado-like storm. The destruction - including massive trees which snapped like match sticks - was unprecedented, and with the storm ravaged community completely cut off from the outside world, people were forced to band together to support one another.
One of those groups that stepped in were the Wednesday Warriors from the Men’s Shed – a group of men whose ongoing dedication to the community continues to make a real difference.
As they reminded me recently, we all know that disaster can strike at any time, so it’s essential we’re as prepared as we can be for the unexpected. Based on their experience, here are a few tips from the Wednesday Warriors:
Number 1 – Access to clean drinking water: without power, or gravity-induced free-flow, many Mirboo North residents were left without water to drink, cook and clean with
Number 2 – Tinned and packaged food: but remember the can-openers! And remember stores of pet food. I know Caesar wouldn’t be happy, my dog, without his tucker.
Number 3 – Communications: with storm damage wiping out infrastructure, many people didn’t have power or phone access. Make a plan about how you might manage if communication networks are out for a prolonged period of time, including who you might check with like loved ones and neighbours.
Number 4 – Power: while battery-powered items were helpful, access to a generator or even knowing who has a generator is helpful.
Number 5 - Matches, lighters, spare fuel and gas: all essential for cooking and powering tools for clearing debris and improving immediate safety of damaged areas.
Number 6 - Hygiene products, medications – there was a severe shortage of hygiene products and difficulty accessing medications in Mirboo North.
Number 7 - Keep a stash of cash somewhere.
I encourage all communities to prepare and maintain readiness for anything that comes our way.
And a special thanks once again to everyone who’s stepped up in Mirboo North to support those in need over the past year.
