Aspiring firefighters were in the driver’s seat of Gunnedah Fire and Rescue’s open day at the weekend.
Deputy captain Paul Hartley said it was not only a chance for children to meet their local firefighters in person, it was also a reminder for families to check fire readiness plans and precautions before the winter season.
“Education is a big part of it – a chance for people to ask questions about fire safety,” he said.
One of the main messages firefighters were keen to convey, was the ability for children to accurately recall their home address in times of emergency.
Gunnedah firefighter Sam Turner said emergency line operators can trace calls given time but the difference between a child being able to state their address over the phone or not, is critical.
“Minutes saves lives,” he said.
He suggested parents remind children about their address every time they pull into the driveway.
It has been a busy few months for the Gunnedah station, which has been tasked to emergencies and natural disaster recovery operations in its own backyard and around the state.
