Thank our emergency services personnel by staying safe this Christmas

While Queenslanders celebrate the festive season with friends and loved ones, thousands of emergency services personnel are still working around the clock to keep people safe.

The Miles Government is reminding Queenslanders to say ‘thank you’ to those workers by keeping safe this Christmas.

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick joined Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd and Assistant Minister for Clean Economy Jobs and Member for Kurwongbah Shane King at the Petrie Fire and Rescue Station today to thank firies in person.

There are simple precautions Queenslanders can take to avoid a celebration becoming a catastrophe.

Christmas lights, decorations and candles should be kept clear of anything flammable.

With thousands of barbecues fired up across the state on Christmas Day, Queenslanders are also reminded to check that their barbie is in good working order by checking gas bottles and hoses.

Never leave a barbecue unattended while it is on.

Queenslanders are also reminded to be prepared for summer storms by downloading the SES Assistance App or by having the SES contact number (132 500) handy.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick: 

“Queensland’s hard working emergency services personnel deserve to have a safe and happy Christmas,” the Deputy Premier said.

“The best way to make sure that happens is to look after your own safety, and the safety of your family and friends.

“Our firefighters, paramedics, police and energy workersare ready to help Queenslanders 24 hours a day, but by staying safe you can make their job that little bit easier.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services Nikki Boyd: 

“We have thousands of QFES staff and volunteers working over the festive season and the best gift we can give them, is to keep ourselves safe as we celebrate with loved ones.

“If you’re away for the holidays, make sure everyone with you knows your holiday address and how let people know where things like campsites are. 

“By doing this, you can save precious seconds or minutes if you do need to contact emergency services and call for help quickly.

“My thoughts are also with Queenslanders impacted by floods in Far North Queensland and everyone who is working to help communities get back up and running.

“I know there are dedicated QFES staff and other first responders who will be working over the Christmas period across Queensland and they have everyone’s thanks.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Clean Economy Jobs Member for Kurwongbah Shane King:

“I’d like to wish all of our Petrie firefighters – and indeed all emergency services personnel across the Kurwongbah community – a very Merry Christmas,” Mr King said.

“The Labor Government opened the Petrie Fire and Rescue Station in 2016 and will continue to provide the vital services our communities need.”

ENDS

Media contact – Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875