Montrose CFA backs bushfire storage ahead of peak season
Wary residents in bushfire prone areas are putting their valuable possessions into storage as the danger period looms.
Outer East
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Wary residents in bushfire prone areas are putting their valuable possessions into storage as the danger period looms.
Storage King Kilsyth that looks after residents in areas of high fire danger throughout the Yarra Ranges, Maroondah, and Knox, have already had people rent lockers for the three risky months in case of emergency.
Montrose firefighter Amanda Lamont has been storing her personal items for about five years.
Ms Lamont said the idea came about when she would lug all her personal items in a tub, down her steep driveway, into the car every hot day.
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“It was emotionally exhausting, and someone at work suggested putting the items in storage,” Ms Lamont said.
After researching storage options, she realised there were locker you could rent monthly.
“I walked around my home calmly and chose the things I wanted to save,” Ms Lamont said.
“It gives me peace of mind if I’m away or at work, or in a crisis moment I know they’re safe.”
Ms Lamont works at the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience and is also a Red Cross volunteer supporting people in emergencies.
“I’ve supported a lot of people impacted by disasters and I know how hard it is for them,” she said.
“For people who experience trauma it’s easier to recover if they have something from they’re past.
“It’s a relic of the past that says I did exist and have that life before.”
Fellow Montrose volunteer Eddie Tichelaar said in the event of an emergency people go into panic mode.
“Putting what is valuable to you, your documents photos, and other precious things that are important to you into a small container for the season is a good idea,” Mr Tichelaar said.
Storage King Kilsyth assistant manager Dawn Bray said it was a good idea to have your personal items safe in case of emergency.
“It’s lovely to have items safe so if you have to evacuate they don’t have to run around, they can just go,” Ms Bray said.
On its website Fort Knox also offers bushfire safety storage for valuable goods and precious family items during bushfire season.
Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported the Fire Danger Period kicked in on November 19 and authorities are warning residents not to underestimate the bushfire risk and make their plans now.
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