NSW Fire and Rescue state-wide open day held in Tea Gardens Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News Photo Gallery by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 18, 2023 Kids got to target-practice with the firehose. FIRE safety and household awareness fuelled the state-wide Fire and Rescue NSW Open Day at Tea Gardens Station, on Saturday, 13 May. Deputy Captain Dean Chester led the Q and A presentations as kids and parents fervently observed local firefighters tear apart old cars, demonstrating professional tools used during motor vehicle rescues, including seatbelt scissors and the safety-glass shatterer. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The kids were especially awed by the ‘Jaws of Life’ spreader, which can open/clamp practically anything, including a lock-jammed car door – even rip it off its hinges – to safely retrieve any occupants. “As we move into winter, we want people alert about the proper use of outdoor heating equipment, and the dangers of candles and electric blankets and heaters inside – ‘At Least a Metre from the Heater’,” Jim Wisemantel, Captain of the Tea Gardens FRNSW, told News Of The Area. “A recent spate of fires reminds us of the necessity of keeping smoke alarms powered and tested, and everyone needs an up-to-date safety and escape plan for their house.” FRNSW encourages NSW residents to book a ‘Safety Visit’, whereby firefighters can check that your smoke alarms are working and suitably installed, and, if not, they can install long-life battery-powered alarms (and replace old batteries) – “all at no cost”. There is really no excuse for any NSW household not to be smoke-alarm protected. “Outdoor cooking and heating equipment should NEVER be used inside,” was one of several key points from the official FRNSW literature. Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington visited to show her support for the Fire and Rescue men and women, telling NOTA, “I want to thank all the crew for their service.” After appreciating the educational experiences, visitors enjoyed free BBQ sausages, while kids eagerly clambered inside the fire-trucks to see the world from a new perspective, perhaps aspiring one day to join Tea Gardens’ bravest. “We are always looking for firefighters, some positions are coming up,” Captain Wisemantel added – contact Jim on 0410 632 580, or see the FRNSW website for information. By Thomas O’KEEFE Future firefighters exploring the fire engines. Kate Washington MP with Captain Jim Wisemantel and Deputy Captain Leon Katz (right). Tea Gardens Fire and Rescue was open to the public on Saturday, 13 May. Deputy Captain Dean Chester letting kids try the seatbelt scissors. Kids watched as the Jaws of Life spreader made light work of a locked car door. Kids and parents could enter the engines. Kids and parents enjoyed the open day and learnt a lot.
