OLDER residents who have bushfire hazards on their properties could be eligible for a helping hand from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to reduce the risk.
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Seniors Week, which is on this week across NSW, is also a time to remind regional residents about the RFS program, which is designed to help seniors reduce bushfire hazards on their properties.
RFS New England zone manager Steve Mepham said the Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents (AIDER) program could assist seniors by carrying out basic work across their properties to help protect them from bushfires.
“Crews from the NSW RFS are able to help protect seniors and other eligible residents who are unable to carry out this work themselves, by assessing their property and removing material that could burn easily,” Mr Mepham said.
“The crews also take the opportunity to discuss personal bushfire planning with residents, by highlighting the benefits of having a bushfire survival plan.
“There are many people in the New England area who can’t manage to carry out this type of manual work around their homes, leaving their properties at greater
risk from the threat of bushfires.”
Community safety officer Renee Dell said the AIDER program was not just about helping reduce the community’s bushfire risk but also about lending a hand to those who needed it and giving these people some peace of mind.
“Applying for the AIDER program is a straightforward process, with the first stage being a NSW RFS crew visiting the resident’s property to assess their eligibility. Seniors who think they may meet the criteria are encouraged to contact the NSW RFS for a free assessment in the lead-up to the next bushfire season,” she said.
Details are on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/aider or by calling the AIDER program co-ordinator on 8741 4955.