Children and their parents had the opportunity to learn about fire safety Friday night at Pierceton Fire Department.
The department held a Fire Prevention Week open house for its third year where the community could come and tour fire trucks and ambulances. Attendees also enjoyed a free dinner served by fire personnel.
Matt Brubaker, Pierceton fire chief, said the community could participate in six stations that included watching a video on smoke detectors; firefighters teaching children how to stop, drop and roll; making fire hats; escape plan information and smoke alarm stations were present; attendees could go to a station where they could touch fire equipment and see firemen in their gear; and there was a CPR and first aid station.
“We feel it’s important to teach the community the importance of fire safety,” Brubaker said.
Fire Prevention Month is in October.
Courtney Brower, 7, Warsaw, said she learned about how to stop, drop and roll and to do CPR.
“When there is a fire you stop, drop and roll,” Brower said.
Brower’s mother, Brenda, said it is important that her daughter learn to establish a meeting place when there is a fire.
“We have been working with her on it and she didn’t understand it until today,” Brower said.
Matthew See, 10, Pierceton, learned how to do CPR, stop, drop and roll and explored fire trucks.
“If we see a fire we have to have a plan,” See said.
Chuck See, Matthew’s grandfather, who has served on the fire department for 30 years, said it is important to have the open house to teach the community how to get out of a burning building and not to be afraid of firemen.
“When we come in with that fire gear it can startle kids, but when they are here they can see the firemen in their gear,” See said.
Sponsors were Paragon Medical, American Red Cross and Pierceton Fire Department.
(Story By The Times Union)
