A NEW light tower for the Mandurah State Emergency Service (SES) has already been put to use.
The tower with four big floodlights is mounted on top of a trailer and can be extended to help volunteers see clearly in difficult conditions.
It was used last week for the bushfire in Nambeelup when lots of smoke was present.
Mandurah SES manager Chris Stickland said the lights would also be used at night and during storm damage operations.
“If there’s a storm we can shine the light into people’s damaged roofs so it’s safer for our volunteers working on them,” Mr Stickland said.
“It’s good to have these upgrades – Mandurah has been overdue for new equipment.”
The branch will eventually move from its Park Road headquarters into a new $1.5million facility after the tender was awarded this week.
The purpose-built facility will be located next to the new Masters Hardware store near the Mandjoogoordap Drive and Mandurah Road roundabout.
“The new building will have five garages and an administration block,” Mr Stickland said.
“The plan is to start building next year and it is expected to be completed about 12 or 18 months after that.”
“It will mean we can have all of our equipment in the same place and we’ll be able to work more efficiently with better response times.”
Mr Stickland said in the lead-up to the hot weather, everyone had a part to play in keeping their home safe.
“Everyone needs to be fire aware,” he said.
“You’ve got to have a plan for what to do if there’s a fire in your area and have an emergency kit ready.
“There’s also a smartphone app called Emergency + that you can call either the police or the SES out of and it displays your geographical coordinates so they can find you.”
