Brigades from Silvan, Monbulk, Mt Evelyn, Lilydale, Belgrave, Montrose, Kalorama and Ranges Group took part in a major multi-agency exercise on Sunday 24 May at the Silvan Water Treatment Plant, in the Dandenong Ranges.
Specialist appliances from Hallam and Bayswater, along with personnel from Police, Ambulance Victoria and Melbourne Water also attended the emergency response exercise - which gave participants the chance to use specialist equipment and vehicles, and familiarise themselves with the site.
Operations Officer Ian Cross, who wrote the scenario and coordinated the activity, said he was delighted with the smooth running of the day, which he attributed to the willingness of all agencies to work together.
“Each agency got something out of it in terms of things to take away and learn from,” he said.
“A big thanks also to the Salvation Army’s emergency services catering unit who ensured we were all were well nourished and hydrated,” he said.
Ian said that CFA had conducted the emergency response exercise on behalf of Melbourne Water, and had included the formation of a Level 2 Incident Management Team.
“The establishment of an IMT was a vital component of the exercise as well discussions with relevant personnel about what steps were required to ensure the safety of the public in the event of a real emergency.
The Silvan Water Treatment Plant supplies up to 80 percent of Melbourne’s drinking water at any one time, including the northern and eastern suburbs.
Sunday's exercise was conducted as a requirement for Silvan to exercise its emergency response plan according to Major Hazard Facility regulations.
Photos taken by Keith Pakenham, CFA.
Author: CFA News