'Tis the season to be jolly and safe!
Heat Hazards
Christmas in Australia is the time when families hit the beach and get busy with barbecues. You can smell prawns on the barbie and hear children thickly slathered with layers of sun cream squealing as they build their Frosty the Sandman on the beach.
While Christmas is a season for celebrations, it is our responsibility to do so with care.
In Australia we are fortunate to share our living spaces with so much nature and greenery. Even as we get excited about the holiday season, we can keep a cool head and be on the alert for extreme weather conditions to ensure our Christmas is spent safely so we can fully enjoy it with our family and friends.
Australians would remember the Black Christmas of 24 December 2001. More than 100 fires blazed through New South Wales and the capital territory. The Black Christmas fires of that year destroyed 753,314 hectares of land, 7000 livestock, 109 houses and more than 510 hectares of pine plantation. The estimated normalised cost in 2011 was $131 million.
With the sweltering heat, a little too much beer at the beach and a moment of carelessness can lead to an uncontrollable disaster. Activities such as having a barbecue, camping, caravanning, going on a bush walk are common during the hot Christmas holidays for many families.
Australia has Fire Danger Ratings which predict how dangerous a fire could potentially be if there was one that day. On days when there may be increased fire risk, a district could declare a Total Fire Ban. This restricts the activities that can be carried out such as having a barbecue or lighting campfires.
There are now apps available on smartphones to alert you about fires that may be in or near your area. You can download the Fires Near Me app or the National Bushfires app to get up-to-date news, warnings and alerts for bushfires across Australia.
Your trees may need pruning and your gardens cleared to avoid any possible fires. Contact Accomplished Tree Management for a non obligation discussion on tree management strategies and plans to fit your circumstance.
Light Hazards
Decorating your outdoor spaces and trees with lights always look spectacular. In the spirit of Christmas, here are a few reminders to keep you safe while adding glamour.
Use only ‘outdoor’ lights that are designed to be weather-proof to avoid the risk of electrocution or fire. We don't want to risk setting the whole tree alight, and endanger homes and people.
Purchase Christmas lights that are approved and compliant with Australian Standards.
Outdoor Christmas lights and equipment must have an IP rating of least IP23. (Ref: worksafe.qld.gov.au)
Use outdoor rated extension cords and use waterproof cases when joining cords.
Take note that nails could cause wiring damage if you're using them to secure the lights to trees.
Keep all control boxes and power switches away from children.
Switch off all lights before going to bed to avoid overheating and potential fire danger.
Have a safe Christmas celebration!
From your favourite Tree Lopper at Accomplished Tree Management
About Accomplished Tree Management: Tel 0411 443 535
Accomplished Tree Management is based in Port Macquarie and services the Mid North Coast. With over 16 years experience, we employ high quality, safe work methods and are certified with Australian AS 4373-2007-Pruning of Amenity Trees standards. We're fully insured with $20 million Public Liability and $5 million Professional Indemnity Insurance.
We provide the following tree services -
Tree management - tree removals, palm tree services, council permits
Tree and garden maintenance - hedging, pruning, deadwooding, stump grinding
Tree consultation - arboricultural reports, hazard assessment
This blog is written by Vermilion Pinstripes, a sales marketing and communications agency based in Port Macquarie, Australia and Singapore helping businesses engage with customers so they can sell without selling.
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