By CASEY NEILL
CRANBOURNE Fire Brigade has 500 reasons to smile.
Springhill Shopping Centre in Cranbourne last week presented a cheque for $500 to the crew.
CFA District 8 brigade administrative support officer Jane Barber said it would spend the money on vehicle equipment to enhance its emergency response capabilities.
Ms Barber said the Cranbourne brigade in April partnered with the shopping centre in a campaign encouraging people to change their smoke alarm batteries.
They’ll return with a summer fire safety awareness stand and are currently pushing winter fire safety messages.
“Most fatal fires occur in the home, which is why we are asking people to make sure they have a good understanding of what causes fires, and how to prevent them,” Ms Barber said.
“As well as regular things like getting your heater serviced or chimney cleaned, it’s also about also staying alert for warning signs in the home – that might be anything from unattended cooking to a laptop left on the bed.”
Operations officer Greg Christison urged residents to plan and practice a home fire escape plan together with their family.
“It’s vital that everyone in the family knows that they have to get out, stay out and call triple-zero,” he said.
Ms Barber said a recruitment campaign for the southern Casey brigades – Clyde, Pearcedale, Devon Meadows, Tooradin, Pearcedale and Warneet – was about to begin.
Recruitment includes all training. Call District 8 on 9767 1800 for more information.
