Brigade member Steve Britton helping a child with the hose. Photos: Supplied
If your kids have always dreamed of climbing a fire ladder, trying out the giant hose or checking your handle on the emergency radio, then take them to the NSW Rural Fire Service Community Open Day at Googong this Saturday (6 October).
Bring the family to meet some amazing local heroes, try their protective gear on for size and hear about their heart-stopping adventures.
The Rural Fire Service’s annual Community Open Day is a fascinating adventure for the young and the young-at-heart, and the local crew from the Jerrabomberra Creek Rural Fire Brigade will be on hand with lots of free family fun.
Climb the big red fire trucks, have a go with the hoses, try the firies’ emergency gear on for size under the watchful eye of our local brigade and share some of the amazing stories from our local heroes.
But while the big red fire trucks roll into Beltana Park for their annual day of family fun, the community party has a serious role to play too. Spare a thought for the everyday heroes behind the friendly smiles and fluoro yellow safety gear as the region prepares for bushfire season after a long, dry winter.
Brigade member Leigh Wilmington showing the kids how to use a breathing apparatus.
Event organiser Penny Forrest said it was really important for homeowners to be ready for bushfire season and prepared to keep their properties and loved ones safe.
“The experts tell us that, whether you choose to stay or leave, you need to make the decision early. Everyone needs to think about their emergency plan and discuss it with their family, just in case,” she said.
“The RFS open day is a great way to bring this potentially life-saving message to the community’s attention in a fun and very positive way. It is also an excellent opportunity for the community to recognise the vital contribution that our hard-working volunteers make.”
The NSW Fire and Rescue Service has four important tips when it comes to staying safe this bushfire season. Lake George Zone District Officer Darren Marks said the lack of winter rain meant there was significant potential for a serious bushfire season this summer and property owners needed to be prepared:
Step 1 – Discuss what to do if a bushfire threatens your home
Decide on an emergency plan and talk about it with your family so everyone knows what to do. Where will you meet? How will you contact each other if phone services are down? If you decide to leave your property, go early before you see any signs of fire. Being caught on the road is one of the most dangerous places to be.
Step 2 – Prepare your property and get it ready for bushfire season
There are lots of useful tips and advice on the RFS website. Be prepared for flying embers which often cause the most damage in built-up areas.
Step 3 – Be alert and know current bushfire alert levels
Fire danger ratings are posted online.
Step 4 – Keep bushfire information numbers and websites handy
Download the NSW RFS Fires Near Me and Myfireplan Apps for the very latest emergency alerts. ACT residents should check out the ACT Emergency Services Agency website.
Everyone is invited to join in the free fun at Beltana Park, from 10 am to 2 pm, with live music, food vendors plus a sausage sizzle.
Father and son Mick and Jeremy Burns.
WHAT: Rural Fire Service Community Open Day
WHEN: 10 am to 2 pm Saturday 6 October 2018
WHERE: Beltana Park, Beltana Ave, Googong NSW
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