New unit storms through its first test

By Rebecca Fraser
THE Narre Warren State Emergency Service (SES) has weathered its first big storm.
Last week, the new emergency service unit received more than 50 calls for help after strong winds ravaged parts of Casey.
It was the unit’s first major operation and Narre Warren SES deputy controller Mark Ivory said each crew member performed well.
“The calls started at 6pm Monday and cleanup operations in Berwick and Narre Warren continued into Wednesday night,” Mr Ivory said.
“This was our first major storm operation. Before this we had only attended individual jobs.
“Everyone has been training very hard and this really came to fruition last week.
“This very successful storm operation puts us in great stead for future calls and really shows the community what we are capable of.
“This has also shown and justified the need for an SES in Narre Warren.”
The Narre Warren SES also assisted the Frankston and Sorrento units.
Mr Ivory said this was a “nice change”.
“Usually we were the ones calling other units because we did not have our own,” he said.
“I guess you could now say that we are repaying the favour.”
Mr Ivory said the unit responded to three main emergencies.
“The three different reasons we were called out was for building damage like tiles coming off roofs, trees over cross roads, and trees over properties,” he said.
“Half a dozen major trees fell in the area.”
Fiona Gardner of Hampton Park joined the Narre Warren SES with husband Edward when it first formed, and attended the storm operation last week.
Even pregnancy and a sevenweekold baby did not affect Mrs Gardner’s dedication to the new unit.
“I was training when I was pregnant so there were limitations due to occupational health and safety,” she said.
“So when the storm operation happened I was busting to get out on the roof top and climb up the ladders.
“It was driving me crazy that I could not do anything.”
She said it was great to see the unit come together.
“We all got out there and pulled together,” she said.
“Many people took time off work to come out and attend.
“Others were out until 4am and then got up at 7am and went to work.”
Mrs Gardner said that this was a good time to encourage people to reduce the chances of property damage during wild weather.
“People should keep an eye out on their trees and notice if they are dying or dead in the middle,” she said.
“We had a lot of trees down, particularly old, dead trees, and this could be avoided if people maintained their trees.”