Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging people to always call triple zero (000) when reporting a fire or other emergency so that firefighters can adequately respond and potentially save lives.
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Following a recent spate of calls made directly to Cessnock Fire Station to report fires, Cessnock station officer Steve Ellis said the only number people should use to report fires and other emergencies is Triple Zero (000).
If people call their local fire station, the response to the incident could be delayed and create greater risk to those affected.
"Calling your local fire station directly could result in the emergency call being missed as that crew could already be attending to an incident, or that phone line could be engaged," Mr Ellis said.
"Calling triple zero will ensure that your phone call is answered promptly, that accurate information is provided to the responding crew and they are sent out without delay.
"People need to remember that calling triple zero will ensure your call is answered promptly and the adequate resources are immediately allocated to the incident."
FRNSW have now launched their Get Ready For Winter checklist online and are urging the community to download this and ensure their homes are prepared.
FRNSW provides the following tips for fire safety in the home:
- Working smoke alarms double chances of survival - regularly check your alarm is working
- Keep looking when cooking - do not leave cooking unattended at any time
- Know and practice your fire escape plan
- Don't overload power points and power boards
- Always keep everything a metre from the heater
- If there is a fire get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000)
"Kitchen fires account for 45 per cent of all residential fires and 34 per cent of injuries in NSW. It can take just three minutes for a fire to take hold, but only seconds to prevent one," Station Officer Ellis said.
Visit https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9284 for more information on home fire safety.
