LOCAL Ray Fitzgerald, who has been a firefighter with Gloucester Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) for 14 years, knows better than most the importance of smoke alarms in saving lives.
Ray strongly supports the current campaign by FRNSW to encourage Gloucester residents to book a fire safety visit.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell has indicated that each year, approximately 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented.
“Sadly, almost all of these fatalities occur in people’s homes,” said the Commissioner
“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.”
Commissioner Fewtrell explained that firefighters are committed to reducing the risk of such fires and to protecting the irreplaceable.
“During safety visits, firefighters will check that you have working smoke alarms, that they are in good working condition, and are installed in suitable areas,” he said.
“If you do not have one, firefighters will install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm as well as replace existing smoke alarm batteries, all at no cost.”
During an inspection firefighters will also ask residents to show them around their homes, so they are able to provide personalised fire safety information on issues such as kitchen fires, heaters and open fires, common electrical safety, barbecues and wheat bags.
They can also provide advice on the best ways to protect the home and themselves in the event of a bushfire.
Station Officer Beau Douglas of Gloucester Fire Station encouraged local residents to book a safety visit as soon as possible.
“The safety visits program draws on historical data about where fires occur and the reasons
why, so we can target areas with an increased fire risk across NSW and help prevent fires from occurring,” he said.
“Firefighters can also help develop a home fire escape plan and tell you how and when to call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.”
Even those with installed fire alarms should not be complacent.
“There are some very old smoke alarms in Gloucester that still beep, but they could be 10 to 20 years out of date and might not pick up a fire,” said Ray Fitzgerald.
“The sensor can stop working after 10 years and that’s why it’s important to get them checked.”
To book a Safety Visit, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits
By John WATTS
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