Firefighters to help prep for summer

HEATHCOTE Fire Station volunteers will hold an open day tomorrow with the aim of helping the community get fire ready for summer.

From 9am, locals are invited to call in and meet the community firefighters as well as attend a fire safety essentials session starting at 11pm.

“The session will be conducted by an expert CFA presenter,” said community safety coordinator Evan Pritchard.

“It will be an informal chat to discuss the seasonal outlook, especially now El Niño has been officially declared.

“Topics covered will include how you can prepare, what to have ready in an emergency, escape plans, pets and the triggers for when to leave.

“Emergency evacuation procedures will be explained, and advice given on defending properties.

“Many people are unaware of the emergency assembly point, which is the Holy Rosary oval, not Barrack Reserve.

“There will be brochures available and details about when to go to the assembly point, advice on tuning in to emergency broadcasts and having the VicEmergency app on phones.

“If anyone is interested in joining the CFA, recruitment officer Peter Duncan will be in attendance and volunteers can learn more or sign up.”

Free property assessment visits by CFA representatives will commence on 18 November.

“We already have seven or eight people on the list,” said Mr Pritchard. “An officer will visit their properties and make suggestions as to what they can do to increase fire safety.”

“If anyone would like an assessment, they can email me at [email protected] or call 0417 178 658.”