Local stations host visitors this week
Throughout the area this week, local fire stations are welcoming visitors in an effort to promote fire safety and celebrate national Fire Prevention Week set for Oct. 9 through 15.
The theme of the event this year is Fire Won't Wait. Plan Your Escape, a effort to reinforce the importance of developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly. The year marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, the longest-running public health observance on record.
“This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign capitalizes on its milestone anniversary, celebrating all we've accomplished in reducing the public's risk to fire over the past hundred years,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Outreach and Advocacy division.
According to NFPA data, home - the place people feel safest from fire - is actually where they are at greatest risk, with three-quarters (74 percent) of all U.S. fire deaths occurring in homes. When a home fire does occur, it's more likely to be serious; people are more likely to die in a home fire today than they were in 1980.
“Today's homes burn faster and hotter than they used to, minimizing the amount of time they have to escape safely,” said Carli. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to get out from the time the smoke alarm sounds.” Developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly ensures that everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and uses that time wisely, she added.
Key safety measures include making sure the home escape plan meets the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Fire safety experts noted that smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of homes. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound. Family members should know at least two ways out of every room, if possible and all doors and windows should open easily.
Family members should all be aware of an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet after evacuation of the house. A home fire drill should be practiced at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night, authorities advised.
IN CANTON:
The Canton Township Fire Department has scheduled the annual Fire Station Open House from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Fire Station #1, 1100 S. Canton Center Road. The open house will include station tours, a fire vehicle display, and live demonstrations of the department extrication equipment (“jaws of life”).
There is a scavenger hunt planned for young visitors who can also try on fire gear and experience the Fire Safety House. Light refreshments and giveaways will be provided.
For more information, call the Canton Fire Department office at (734) 394-5455.
CITY of NORTHVILLE, PLYMOUTH
Northville City Fire Department firefighters will be available to the public to teach fire safety, answer questions, and show visitors the different vehicles and equipment that firefighters use during an open house at Station 1 at 215 Main St. in Northville and Station 2 at 201 S. Main St. in Plymouth from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.
The Saturday open house will also feature the department Great Escape program, created by the National Fire Protection Agency to educate children and their families about developing a home escape plan in case of a fire.
“We are reaching out to children and their families during Fire Prevention Week to put the Great Escape program plans into action,” said Fire Chief Matt Samhat. “When used correctly, it helps save lives.”
In cooperation with local schools, parents of elementary school children will receive a grid and instructions that show how their child can develop and draw their own home escape plan. On Oct. 15, families are encouraged to practice their fire escape plan. After that exercise is complete, the student and family members are invited to come to the fire station to review their plan with a firefighter and enter in a drawing for a chance to win a “Special Day with Firefighters.” That evening, there will be activities including spraying a fire hose, doing an obstacle course and sitting inside a fire truck. For more information, contact the fire department at (248) 449-9919.
SUMPTER TOWNSHIP
Members of the Sumpter Township Fire Department will be marking Fire Prevention Week with an open house at the fire station from noon until 3 p.m. Oct. 15. Visitors can tour the station, meet and greet fire department personnel and enjoy refreshments. The Sumpter Township Fire Station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.
CITY of WAYNE
Members of the City of Wayne Fire Department will host the Annual Pancake Breakfast marking Fire Prevention Week from 9 a.m. until noon Oct. 15 at the fire station at 3300 S. Wayne Road.
As usual, there will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, three sausage links and coffee, juice or milk included with the $8 cost for adults. Breakfasts for children 10 and younger will be priced at $5.
There will be raffles, door prizes and crafts for children along with other attractions, organizers said. All funds generated will be used for the non-profit fire education fund established by the Wayne firefighters.
