By Mitchell Clarke
A community-led disaster and emergency resilience program based out of Cockatoo held a social event to connect and prepare those who may need assistance prior to an extreme weather event.
With the high fire danger season on the approach, the timely event saw community members, Ready2Go volunteers, local organisations and crews from the Gembrook and Cockatoo CFA stations gather for a free barbecue.
But the event provided a serious message, with volunteers taking the time to talk about prevention and safety pertaining to heat health which could potentially be deadly.
The Ready2Go initiative began in Cockatoo by a concerned member of the community following the 2009 Victorian Black Saturday fires, which saw 374 people die from heat related illnesses in the days and weeks prior.
The program supports people who are unable to adequately safeguard against the effects of extreme weather including heat, storm, bushfire and other emergencies.
“Ready2Go enhances the village atmosphere by providing a valuable opportunity for communities to assist their vulnerable residents to build connections and relationships,” spokesperson Tanya Burmeister said.
“There’s also the potential to access support services, so these vulnerable residents can move to safer places prior to predicted weather events that pose risks to them.”
For more information on the Ready2Go program, contact 0407 824 323.
