Melfort Fire Department hosting annual open house for Fire Prevention Week

Firefighters help provide lifesaving public education in an effort to decrease casualties caused by fires drastically.

On Thursday, Oct. 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Melfort Fire Department is holding its annual open house, which they always do during this time of year.

There, they will set up different stations, including equipment try-ons, hoses to use, the jaws of life in action, and any other equipment they may have.

You will be able to meet most of the firefighting team as they provide reminders for families and make sure people have a planned way out, in case they need to escape their homes during a fire.

“It’s important that people are aware and educated when it comes to having a safe escape plan in the event of a fire,” said MFD Fire Chief, Shaun Stewart.

“We do this every year during Fire Prevention Week because it serves as a good reminder and exposes the public to become aware to a variety of life-saving situations… we just want to make sure that everyone has a way out.”

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on Oct. 8, 1871.

This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is cooking safety starts with you.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.

The good news is you can prevent most cooking fires and burns. Help keep your family safer with some simple but effective tips.

“In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk during fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire,” read a statement sent from the MFD.

“Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning. It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them.”

More tips and tricks, as well as lesson plans for families, educators, and more, can be found on the NFPA’s website.

–

news@northeastnow.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

Melfort Fire Department hosting annual open house for Fire Prevention Week

What's Trending