MOTAT teams up with emergency services for Live Day

On Sunday 18 February there will be a kitchen fire in central Auckland and whilst it’s all part of a fun family day out, the message it brings home is certainly no laughing matter. The fire will be deliberately lit in a demonstration trailer by the New Zealand Fire Service, just one of the experiences on offer at MOTAT’s Fire and Rescue Live Day.

This annual event has grown into a firm favourite on the Auckland event calendar which sees MOTAT team up with not only the Fire Service but the Police, Civil Defence and the Red Cross, amongst others. The aim is to provide exciting displays and memorable activities to educate families about the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency.

This is also an opportunity for MOTAT to showcase its extensive fire and rescue themed collection alongside current emergency appliances, staff and volunteers. Firefighters will be on-hand to highlight key fire safety messages such as the importance of working smoke alarms and the dangers of unattended cooking. The event includes two simulated home environments where visitors can feel the heat, smell the fumes and experience a fire from a safe distance.

MOTAT’s Public Programmes Manager Sarah Somerville says the interactive games and displays have been developed to engage youngsters and teach them some very serious lessons within a playful environment.

“Here at MOTAT we know that children learn by doing and this special event gives us a wonderful opportunity to partner with real-life emergency services to help families stay safe in a disaster situation,” says Ms Somerville.

There will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained including:

• Experiencing the NZ Fire Service Wendy house in action which teaches children to get down, get low and get out of the house and meet at a safe meeting place.
• Motor vehicle accident extraction demonstrations at 11:30am and 2:30pm where cars are cut up to free those ‘trapped’ inside.
• First Aid NZ CPR demonstrations.
• An amazing display by the NZ Police dog squad at 1:30 pm.
• Regular MOTAT Live Day family favourites including steam train, double decker tram and military vehicle rides.
• The MOTAT Print Shop will also be open and visitors can experience the old-fashioned lolly-man, bread-maker and blacksmith plying their trades in the Village.
• Fire hose target practice and professional face painting for children.

Fire and Rescue Live Day starts at 10am and ends at 4pm. Normal MOTAT admission fees apply.
During February and March, MOTAT is giving back to those who support our communities through their dedicated service by offering free entry to Emergency and Defence Services staff and volunteers. See the MOTAT website for further details.
ENDS

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