A LAVINGTON RFS firefighter was the mastermind behind a snakes and ladders game, which has been helping teach children about fire safety.
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Students at Lavington Public School jumped on the four by four metre playing board on Wednesday and rolled the big red dice.
Each square had different fire facts, hazards and consequences as they moved their way up and down the board.
It included information about replacing smoke alarm batteries, which apps and websites were available through to raking up leaves in the garden.
One of the snake's heads sat on a tile which read “drying clothes to close to the heater” which lead to the tail saying it had caused a house fire.
Volunteer firefighter of 22 years Peter Farry said he invented the game during his retirement.
“The whole idea is to raise awareness of the necessity of having a survival plan in the family,” he said.
“And to be able to carry out that plan in the event of a bushfire situation.
“Firies who see it think it is fantastic and hopefully it will save lives.”
An afternoon tea was held on Saturday to congratulate Mr Farry on his service with the brigade and his efforts in making the game.
The big playing board has been used at community events such as firestation open days, the Henty Field Days and at school fetes.
Smaller A3 versions have also been made available for free to the community.
Mr Farry said the game was well received at the recent Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness Conference held in Albury.
He hoped it would be more effective than handing out pamphlets.
“The games will be distributed via a big red truck going around to schools and also at events like the Henty Field Days,” he said.
“It's hopefully designed for the kids to take home and play and engage their parents.”
The school's P and C president Kathy Barnes said the children and the adults both got a little bit competitive at times to see who had the most fire knowledge.
“Even if they understand one square, that's better than none,” she said.
“It starts the discussion about fire safety.
“We always have someone explaining the squares to the kids so hopefully they take something away from it.
“When you play it and it is interactive and fun, you learn more from it.”
An online version of the game is expected to launch in about two weeks.
For more information, or to get a small copy of the educational game, visit the ‘Peter Farry's - Bushfire Snakes and Ladders’ Facebook page.