WITH warmer weather on the way and fire season approaching, the Medowie Rural Fire Brigade is opening its doors on Saturday, September 12, with an important message for the community: don’t wait for a fire to start preparing.
The brigade’s annual Get Ready Weekend will give Medowie families the opportunity to meet their local RFS volunteers, explore the trucks and equipment and learn practical ways to protect their homes and families.
Community Engagement Officer Jolene Smith said the day was about bringing the brigade and the community together while making sure residents have the knowledge they need before an emergency happens.
“It’s a day for them to come and ask about everything they need to know to protect the family and home, in case of a fire,” Jolene said.
Families will be able to learn how to develop a bushfire plan suited specifically to their household, including when to leave, where to go and what they may need to take with them.
Jolene said no two family fire plans would necessarily look the same.
“Some homes have children or elderly or infirm, some have pets to consider, when thinking about a ‘will I stay, or go’ plan,” she said.
“House layouts and therefore escape routes are different for each home.”
The day will also have plenty to keep younger visitors busy, with mini fire trucks ready for some hose racing, a fire-themed treasure hunt and plenty of opportunities to climb aboard and check out the brigade’s equipment.
The brigade’s new Tatra fire truck will also be on display.
For those wanting to experience what it can be like inside a burning building, the smoke house will allow visitors to walk or crawl through using non-toxic artificial smoke.
There will also be a smoke alarm game to help families understand where alarms should be positioned in their homes.
One of the highlights will be a live kitchen fire demonstration, showing just how quickly a kitchen fire can develop and how a fire blanket can be used safely.
Medowie residents are being urged to take home some simple preparation jobs, including cleaning gutters, removing flammable items from around the house, keeping grass under control and checking that hoses are working and can reach all areas of the property.
Jolene said Medowie’s surroundings meant residents should not underestimate the local fire risk.
“Medowie’s risks are all around us,” she said.
“We have National Parks on several sides, the RAAF Base lands and Water Board with plenty of highly flammable shrubs and trees in each.”
She said something as small as an ember could potentially start another fire.
“It’s the ‘it’ll never happen to me’ attitude where people come undone,” Jolene said.
The brigade hopes the open day will help remove that complacency while building a stronger connection between local firefighters and the people they protect.
“We enjoy showing the community the assets and sharing the knowledge that is used to protect them, and having a bit of fun in the process,” Jolene said.
Raymond Terrace Fire and Rescue 432 will also make a guest appearance during the day.
For Medowie families, September 12 is an opportunity to meet the people behind the uniforms, ask questions and take a few simple steps that could make a big difference when fire season arrives.
“Being prepared helps us, helps you,” Jolene said.
Get Ready Weekend is on Saturday, September 12, at Medowie Rural Fire Brigade from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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