Firefighters across the country will soon kick off another Fire Prevention Week by opening their station doors to the public for a day of education and fun.
The Chesterfield Township and New Baltimore fire departments are no exception, as both will host open houses on Oct. 9.
Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 9 to 15, is the nation’s longest-running public health celebration. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the celebration.
During Fire Prevention Week, firefighters provide public life-saving education in an effort to dramatically reduce fire casualties.
“Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871,” said Chesterfield Township Fire Capt. Mike Scalici. “Fire Prevention Week teaches children and adults how to stay safe in the event of a fire.”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire doesn’t wait. Plan Your Escape,” aims to educate people about the actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.
“We recommend that all families develop a fire evacuation plan that includes working smoke detectors on all levels of each floor and in bedrooms,” Scalici said. “Always identify two exits from each room. Have an outdoor meeting place, such as a neighbor’s house, and once outside a burning structure, stay outside.”
Cooking fire demonstrations planned
The Chesterfield Township Fire Department will host its annual open house from noon to 3pm on October 9 at Fire Station #1. 1 of 22 Mile Road.
The free, family-friendly event gives citizens a chance to meet their local firefighters while learning about their tools and facilities. There will be fire truck displays, interactive demonstrations, photo ID for kids, refreshments and activities for kids like an agility course, a fire hose demonstration, a bounce house and more.
With Fire Prevention Week falling right before the holidays, Scalici said the department wants to emphasize the importance of fire safety, especially this time of year. Last year’s open house featured a demonstration showing how quickly flames can spread through a room when a Christmas tree fire occurs.
“This year, during our open house, we will explain how to properly use a turkey fryer and then demonstrate what could happen if it is not used safely,” Scalici said.
The Chesterfield Township Fire Department currently has 20 career members and one fire chief, as well as a small contingent of part-time firefighters, the fire captain noted.
Fire Station #1 is located at 26001 22 Mile Road in Chesterfield Township. Parking for the open house will be available at Troy Tube & Manufacturing Co., located on East Russell Schmidt Boulevard, west of the fire station, with shuttle service to transport attendees. For more information about the event, call the department at 586-725-2233.
A live cooking fire demonstration is also planned for the New Baltimore Fire Association’s annual pancake breakfast open house, which is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 9 October at the Green Street Fire Station.
This year’s event will include fun for all ages, including a Jaws of Life demonstration, raffle baskets, raffle boards, a bounce house, pancakes, refreshments and more fire safety education.
The New Baltimore Firefighters Association’s annual pancake breakfast open house is scheduled for Oct. 9. (MediaNews Group file photo)
“Thank you to the citizens of New Baltimore for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you there!” the department said in a Sept. 20 Facebook post.
The New Baltimore Fire Department is located at 36535 Green St. For more information about the upcoming open house, call the station at 586-725-0990.
‘The fire will not wait. Plan your escape.
With newer homes burning faster than ever, there may only be a minute or two to safely escape a house fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds, according to the NFPA. The association offers the following safety tips to help people improve their ability to get out of a house fire:
• Home Fire Escape Planning and Practice: Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need help getting up and out. Make sure someone will help them. Everyone should be prepared in advance, so they know what to do when the smoke alarm goes off.
• Smoke detectors: Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement. For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are interconnected throughout the home. Choose an alarm that is listed by a test lab, meaning it meets certain protection standards.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week or to learn more about fire safety, go to nfpa.org/fpw.
