Clarence Valley residents are invited to meet local firefighters and learn about home fire safety at the(FRNSW) Open Day this weekend.
Firefighters will be opening the doors to fire stations throughout the region from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, May 13, while offering visitors the opportunity to participate in a range of free activities including firefighting demonstrations, station tours, and safety presentations.
Families will also be able to check out fire trucks, learn about firefighting equipment, and chat to local firefighters about the critical work they do to keep communities safe.
Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station, Captain Garry Reardon, said the upcoming event is an opportunity to show people that FRNSW firefighters do so much more than fight fires.
“From road crashes, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters to urban search and rescue, medical responses and humanitarian relief, our firefighters are prepared for anything and ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere,” he said.
“Open Day is also a great time to talk to the experts about home fire safety in the lead up to winter.
“This year we want you to ask yourself ‘are you ready?’, and prepare your homes early by checking your smoke alarms and knowing what to do when it sounds.
“Only working smoke alarms save lives, and a home fire escape plan helps you to get out and stay out if there is a fire.
“Statistics indicate the risk of fatality in a house fire is halved if the home has a working smoke alarm.”
Captain Reardon said smoke alarms should be tested every month, vacuumed every six months, and replaced every 10 years.
Replaceable batteries should be changed each year.
Grafton Fire Station is located at 94 Prince Street and will be open between 9am and 1pm.
South Grafton Fire Station is located at 64 Wharf Street and will be open between 10am and 2pm.
Maclean Fire Station is located at 251 River Street and will be open between 8:30am and 12:30pm.
Yamba Fire Station is located at 14 River Street and will be open between 10am and 2pm.