Fire-safety day in Horsham

Horsham Fire Brigade will again open its doors to the community in an attempt to reduce the number of residential house fires members attend each year.

The brigade is inviting people to bring small electrical items such as kettles, hair driers and electric blankets into the Hamilton Street station for testing by a qualified electrician on May 26.

The brigade attended more than 25 residential fire incidents in 2018. Some were the result of faulty electrical products.

Members want to spread a message that following simple steps could prevent most home fires.

The brigade also wants to make sure everyone has plans to escape a house. Brigade members will be on hand throughout the safety day, from 11am to 3pm, with a range of fire-safety information and advice.

People can also participate in fire-safety demonstrations where they can safely practice using a fire blanket or fire extinguisher.

Brigade captain John St Clair said the safety day was a perfect opportunity to show the community how to best protect themselves, their family and property from fire.

“Now is the time to prepare your family and home in the lead-up to winter, when small appliances, candles and heating can be a problem. We’re here to help,” he said. Members have encouraged people to provide a gold coin donation to the Horsham Fire Brigade Electrical and Home Fire Safety day to cover the testing and tagging of items.

The brigade has also organised activities for children such as face painting, a special tent to practice crawling low in smoke, giveaways and visits from Captain Koala.

It will also be providing a sausage sizzle and a free raffle where people can win a smoke detector, fire extinguisher or fire blanket.

People seeking more information can call Mr St Clair on 0429 405 404.