Emergency services expo builds resilience for future disasters

A RANGE of lifesaving activities to help children and adults prepare for future disasters were on display as people learned survival skills at the Ballina Emergency Services Expo.

The Richmond Police District had equipment, vehicles and stalls alongside the Ballina SES unit, Red Cross and other emergency services at Missingham Park.

It was run by Ballina Shire Council and was aimed to build resilience and meet local volunteers who assist in disasters.

“It was wonderful to see the community getting so involved and learning how to Get Prepared for emergencies,” a Red Cross spokesperson said.

“Adults could download the Red Cross Get Prepared App and children could either select three things they would pack in their emergency kit or draw a picture of what special item they would take if they had to evacuate in an emergency.”

The expo featured other live demonstrations, interactive displays and practical information about local risks such as floods, bushfires and storms.

Kids were able to climb aboard fire trucks from around the region along with ambulances and police vehicles on display.

SES crews had them on inflatable boats, where they could wear and learn more about the safety equipment.

There was also information on emergency alerts, household plans and resources to stay informed during a crisis.

“Whether it’s fire, flood, storm or other natural events, it’s never too early to be prepared,” Ballina Shire Council’s alternate local emergency management officer Lloyd Isaacson said.

“We can’t control when emergencies will happen, but we can control how prepared we are.”