Bushfire Precautions
‘With summer just around the corner, we wish to reassure residents, families, and staff, that Resthaven is well prepared for the upcoming bushfire season,’ says CEO, Richard Hearn.
‘Resthaven’s bushfire prevention and preparedness program is already in operation, with staff undergoing annual training, and procedures annually reviewed.’
‘Resthaven Bellevue Heights, located adjacent to Sturt Gorge in the Adelaide Hills, 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.’
‘On high risk days such as those rated as “catastrophic” by the Country Fire Service (CFS), in conjunction with the Bureau of Meteorology, we will be mindful in advance of the additional preparations required.’
‘If the unique circumstance of a bushfire is threatening the site, we will remain at the site as planned, unless instructed by emergency services.’
‘If emergency services instructs us to evacuate residents, we will liaise with them regarding transport necessary to safely relocate residents to another Resthaven home.’
‘There are seven other Resthaven residential sites located in the Adelaide metropolitan area, and our plans incorporate accommodating residents from other sites should there be such an emergency.’
‘I encourage residents and/or family members who have any concerns or questions about Resthaven’s fire policy to speak with their site Manager.’
‘Independent retirement living residents maintain up to date bushfire action plans, which advises them of what to do.’
‘Generators are currently being installed, or are in planning stages to be installed early 2018 , across all residential 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.