Marcus was recently surprised at his school assembly with a visit from Hillcrest Fire Brigade and CFA’s Captain Koala.By Melissa Meehan
WOORI Yallock Primary School student Marcus Cochrane received a surprise visit at school assembly last week from the Hillcrest Fire Brigade and CFA’s Captain Koala.
Marcus was presented with a certificate by Hillcrest’s 3rd Lieutenant Brianna Woolfe for his outstanding efforts in alerting his family to a fire in their home.
Captain Koala presented Marcus with a “Honorary” CFA Volunteer cap.
Lt Woolfe said she was pleased that Marcus was able to use his fire knowledge to help his family.
“All families should have a home fire escape plan in place in the event of fire,” Lt Woolfe said.
Hillcrest Brigade members, who recently visited the school, actively involved the children in mock home fire safety drills.
The visit was to teach the children the importance of getting down “Low and Go Go Go” in smoke, to yell very loudly to alert other family members and to identify a family meeting place, such as their letterbox.
CFA’s Wendy Cormack said there was an increased risk of home fires in the cooler months.
“Which makes it even more important to ensure your family has a home fire escape plan,” Ms Cormack said.
She said it was an important reason to get the whole to family to sit down and work out a plan if they haven’t already got one and practice it.
“If your family has an escape plan, a working smoke detector, a fire extinguisher and fire blanket you are well on course to reducing the devastating effect of fire,” Ms Cormack said.
The CFA provides booklets free of charge to assist families in putting their plans together.
Booklets are available from the CFA Woori Yallock Service at 7-9 Symes Road, Woori Yallock or by calling 5961 5917.
