Police Chief Inspector thanks RFS as summer draws to close – stresses importance of flood plans

Hawkesbury Police Area Command’s Customer Service Duty Officer, Garry Sims APM, is well known across the Hawkesbury for his great community policing approach and after being out patrolling on the weekend, he is keen to raise awareness about flooding.

He also wanted to thank residents and RFS volunteers for being alert and ready for action over the summer, which is now drawing to close – though given the high temperature today, you’d have to wonder if it’s quite over…

“Now that the summer of 2021 is all but over, it is an appropriate time to thank and appreciate all of the work that is done by local Rural Fire Service crews in the work that they do for the community, “ Ch Insp Sims said.

“On behalf of our Command – thank you ladies and gentlemen for all of your efforts in keeping the community safe during fire season.”

Chief Inspector Sims added, “And big thanks to those in the community that have prepared their properties during this year’s fire season – it is a risk in our community that is never far away.

“It is also important to have an understanding that the Hawkesbury is not immune to the risk of flooding – with some forecasts predicting a wet winter.”

While patrolling North Richmond on Sunday night, Chief Inspector Sims noticed the flood level indicators near the bridge. He points out these should give pause for thought about how the area can be impacted.

Make sure you have a flood plan…

“The area’s record flood of 1867 reached over 20 metres and caused the death by drowning of 12 people. While these levels have not been surpassed over time, they could be repeated,” he said.

“While preparing for fire is common, we all need to be asking what our individual flood plans are. Do you have a flood plan?”

Chief Inspector Sims says the NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit has information that will assist.

“It would be prudent to have a look at this link,” says the Chief Inspector.

https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/…/things-you-can-do-before…/

“As we move to a new season, we want the Hawkesbury to be resilient to emergencies, and preparation really is a key step in this regard, so please take a look and make sure you do have a flood plan, particularly if you live in one of the many areas of the Hawkesbury which are prone to flooding,” said Ch Insp Sims.