why are we there if it is still standing??
SES SCC get a lot of 'tree branch threatening' or split tree limb taskings.
The call taker tries to determine if the threat is a real emergency or if the person wants to bypass the council regulations. But we need to err on the side of caution and send a recce crew to check if we have any doubts.
I have heard of some real stinks when a crew of volunteers deem the tasking not to be an emergency & thus drives away. The people threaten to go to the Minister, media, etc, etc. I have lost count the number of people that state they deserve the service because 'they pay the emergency services levy'.
We have tracked a person who called the 132500 telephone number five times for a 'threatening to fall tree' during a storm event. He did not know we computer log every call even if it is deemed a non-tasking event. All six call takers were warned about him.
It was determined that he was being opportunist. On the fifth time he called, we called the local Unit Manager who sent a recce crew to explain the situation in person.
At other times we have had people call 'not wanting to disturb us' & 'they know we are busy', but when convenient 'could we come around to have a look'. Turns into a gum tree branch 50% split at the trunk. The split branch was hanging over the peoples main bedroom, with storm winds moving the branch. The people were elderly pensioners & I understand the kettle was hot for the crew when they arrived.
It is the grateful members of the community that you go out into storm weather for.