Bushfire Precautions
‘With summer just around the corner, and the ever-present risk of bushfire, everyone needs to be vigilant,’ says CEO, Richard Hearn.
‘Resthaven’s bushfire prevention and preparedness program is in operation, with staff undergoing annual training, and procedures annually reviewed.’
‘Our newest aged care home, Resthaven Aberfoyle Park, is located in the southern Adelaide foothills of the bushfire prone Mount Lofty Ranges district. However, it is situated in a “Bushfire Safer Place”, adjacent to the built-up areas of the shopping precinct, schools and the large retirement village next door.’
‘A “Bushfire Safer Place” means an area of generally lower levels of bushfire fuel which is far enough away from continuous bushland areas to reduce the risk of exposure to direct flame or severe radiant heat.’
‘The location of the site was taken into account during building, and the design incorporates materials that comply with the relevant National Construction Codes and Australian Standards.’
‘Resthaven Bellevue Heights residential aged care home, located adjacent to Sturt Gorge in the Adelaide Hills, also in the Mount Lofty district, has been the focus of extensive fire safety measures in recent years.’
‘Initiatives undertaken at this site include the installation of “waterwall” sprinklers, extra rainwater tanks and remotely operated pumps, modifications to buildings, tree removal within the site, extensive plant thinning within the adjacent natural reserve, replacement of flammable materials (bark chip mulch, sleeper retaining walls) with non-flammable materials, and much more.’
‘We work in consultation with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources regarding best practice in relation to the Sturt Gorge.’
‘If the unique circumstance of a bushfire is threatening a Resthaven residential site, we will remain at the site and implement our plan, unless instructed otherwise by the emergency services.’
‘Should an emergency of any type require an evacuation, there are eight other Resthaven residential sites located in the Adelaide metropolitan area, where we can accommodate evacuated residents, should there be such a necessity.’
‘I encourage residents and/or family members who have any concerns or questions to speak with their site Manager.’
‘As part of our business continuity plan, generators have been installed at all Resthaven residential aged care homes, ensuring the comfort and safety of residents in the event of power failure.’
Resthaven’s residential aged care and in-home care and support services are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu, and across the Limestone Coast.