Firefighters will show how they cut free motorists trapped in the wreckage of their cars at two open days being held over the next few weeks in a bid to reduce road crashes in south Shropshire.
A wide range of safety information will be available at the events as part of a public education drive launched by South Shropshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), the Community Council of Shropshire's Preventative Services Team and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The events will be held on Saturday, August 30 from 10am to 3pm starting at Cleobury Mortimer fire station in Pinkham Lane and on Saturday, September 20 at Craven Arms Fire Station.
Rose Genner from South Shropshire CDRP said: “These are exciting partnership events for the South Shropshire District. Our aim is to give South Shropshire residents and visitors the opportunity to come along and find out useful information on a wide range of subjects.”
Demonstrating their skills in fire and road safety will be firefighters from both Cleobury Mortimer and Craven Arms. People will see the ferocity of a chip pan fire and how to deal with it safely. They will also be able to register for free smoke alarms.
“They will be able to see how firefighters cut free people trapped in the mangled wreckage of their cars after a road crash. Their skills will be demonstrated in a bid to reduce the number of road accidents on South Shropshire's roads,” said Jim Quinn, district officer for south Shropshire.
“There are nearly three times as many accidents involving cars in rural areas than urban, with rural accidents more likely to result in serious injuries. We are working closely with our colleagues and Shropshire Partnership to reduce these statistics.”
There will be exhibits from community support organisations providing advice on a wide range of topics such as housing and energy, carers support, drugs and alcohol, diabetes, home security, victim support, home and business fire safety and sight and hearing information.
At the open day will be representatives from Age Concern, Ambulance and Community First Responders, Police, Rural Watch, Institute of Advanced Motoring, Carers Support Services, Diabetes UK and more.
“Please come along to what will be two very enjoyable community events,” said Daphne Simmons, of the Community Council of Shropshire.
