The knock on the door this Saturday could help save your life!

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) staff and volunteers will be among thousands of emergency services personnel door-knocking homes across Queensland this Saturday (September 15), with a collective goal of building community resilience.

Speaking ahead of today’s (Tuesday) Emergency Volunteers Advisory Forum (EVAF) in Brisbane, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said Operation Knock Knock aimed to help connect Queenslanders with emergency services personnel and their local communities.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises the importance of state and local government, not-for-profits, businesses and emergency services working together to create connected communities,” Mr Crawford said.

“We want Queensland to set the standard in community resilience and Operation Knock Knock - a new state-wide initiative - is certainly a step in the right direction.

“Emergency services personnel don’t usually come calling until the worst happens, so this Saturday will provide an opportunity to ‘check in’ with the community before disaster strikes.

“In some areas staff and volunteers will be stationed at locations such as surf clubs and shopping centres, so if you see them be sure to go over and have a chat.

“Do you know your local risks and what you need to do to prepare? Do you know your neighbours and neighbourhood contacts in case of an emergency? These are some of the conversations we want to have with Queenslanders.”

The initiative is led by QFES in collaboration with Red Cross, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR), PCYC Emergency Services Cadets, Local Councils, Queensland Reconstruction Authority and Local Government Association of Queensland.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said Operation Knock Knock would encourage one of the most important aspects of resilience – community spirit.

“You don’t have to look any further than QFES’ 42,000 volunteers to know Queensland has a bucket load of community spirit,” Ms Carroll said.

“The people who will be knocking on your door are your local emergency services personnel and they know your area.

“When they come knocking take the opportunity to have a chat with them about your local risks and what you can do so you and your family are prepared.

“We want Queensland to be prepared, resilient and robust in the face of adversity, and a connected community is a resilient community.”

ENDS

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