Tri-Service Operation ‘Low Blow’ to boost cyclone season readiness The three arms of the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services will combine for a pre-cyclone exercise to test preparedness for the coming cyclone season. Operation ‘Low Blow’ will be conducted on Saturday 1 November and simulate the response to a major incident. Northern Territory Emergency Service Director Andrew Warton said a major part of preparing for the cyclone season was to ensure all members of the Tri-Service were ready to respond if required. “To have the opportunity for all the Tri-Service teams to work together in such an exercise is invaluable and will help identify strengths as well as areas where improvement may be required. “In addition, we see tremendous value in having NTES Volunteers train alongside some of our best emergency responders. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Bruce Byatt said that Operation Low Blow will involve in 50 members and is designed to put the finishing touches on preparedness. “It will not only test our first responders, our communications and our chain of command, more importantly it will demonstrate how we come together as one team in the case of an emergency.” Deputy Chief Fire Officer Byatt said part of being in the Tri-Service was the reality that they must prepare for the worst. “We are prepared and we do hope for the best but disasters do happen and we will be ready.” Mr. Warton said the motto of the NT Emergency Service is “get ready and get through”, and the public should start thinking now about doing the same thing because when it comes to tropical cyclones complacency is often the biggest enemy. “As this cyclone season commences the message from us is clear; have a household cyclone plan, have a cyclone kit, stay informed, get ready and get through.” Media are invited to attend the training exercise at the Yarrawonga training facility. PFES members will be conducting a simulated urban search and rescue of a collapsed building. Picture and interview opportunities will be available. Attending media are urged to wear suitable clothing including sturdy footwear if they wish to enter the site.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 08:14:11 +0000
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