{"id":117739,"date":"2015-08-17T22:29:09","date_gmt":"2015-08-17T12:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=117739"},"modified":"2020-11-10T16:26:37","modified_gmt":"2020-11-10T06:26:37","slug":"book-a-free-visit-from-a-firefighter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2015\/08\/17\/book-a-free-visit-from-a-firefighter\/","title":{"rendered":"Book A Free Visit
From A Firefighter"},"content":{"rendered":"
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House fires can start easily and spread very quickly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 17, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

Firefighters are urging senior citizens to book a free Safehome visit.<\/p>\n

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said elderly residents were amongst the most vulnerable when it came to house fires.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs part of the Safehome program, firefighters visit homes to help residents recognise fire and safety hazards in and around their property,\u201d Ms Carroll said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost people have fire risks in their homes and a few simple precautions and safety tips from a firefighter, such as the correct positioning and installation of smoke alarms and developing a fire escape plan, could save lives and property.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll homes have different requirements but a visit should take no longer than 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI encourage everyone to check on elderly neighbours, friends or relatives and ask the important question of whether they have had a Safehome visit and show them how they can book one.\u201d<\/p>\n

QFES Acting Manager Community Engagement Kevin Reading said Safehome visits could be arranged for all residents, regardless of whether they owned their home or were renting.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is necessary for the person living in the property to call and book the visit. If you are renting, tenants should book the visit and not lessors\/agents,\u201d Mr Reading said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the firefighters recommend making changes to the property during the visit, such as installing a smoke alarm, the tenant should raise this with the lessor or agent and discuss options.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is compulsory by law for all Queensland homes to have smoke alarms installed and photoelectric smoke alarms are the preferred option endorsed by QFES.\u201d<\/p>\n