Go behind the scenes of a busy fire and rescue service and meet local firefighters at an Open Day on Saturday, May 15, at Terrigal, Wyoming and Kariong fire stations.
Between 10am and 2pm, firefighters will be showcase Fire and Rescue’ broad capabilities.
Visitors will have the chance to meet a firefighter, see the fire trucks in action, check out the equipment, see demonstrations and find out more about what the fire and rescue team does.
They will answer your questions, show you around and help you prepare your home for a safe winter.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Paul Baxter, said Open Day was an opportunity to show people that firefighters do so much more than fight fires.
“From fires, road crashes, hazardous material incidents and natural disasters to urban search and rescue, our firefighters are prepared for anything and ready to help anytime, anywhere,” he said.
“A large part of our role is to educate the community about home fire safety and that’s where Open Day comes in.
“This year we are focussing on the importance of having a working smoke alarm in your home.
“Each year, about 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented.
“Sadly, almost all of these fatalities occur in people’s homes and each death is a tragic loss for families, friends and the wider community.
“Additionally, for each fire fatality, there are also hundreds more people who survive a fire but suffer life-changing health consequences.
Baxter said there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of house fires during the cooler months, with many fires starting in bedrooms and loungerooms due to heaters and electric blankets.
“This year we want to help residents prepare their homes and, in particular, encourage them to check their smoke alarms and have a Home Fire Escape Plan,” he said.
A Get Ready for Winter checklist is available online at fire.nsw.gov.au/winter.
Free safety visits can also be arranged for a firefighter to check smoke alarms, replace them if needed and give residents personalised safety advice.
The fire station Open Days on May 15 will be at 1 Central Coast Hwy, Kariong; 2 Laycock St, Wyoming; and 7 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal.
Sue Murray