Publication select ▼
ST. CLAIR SHORES — Fire trucks, Jaws of Life scenarios and visits with Sparky the Fire Dog will be part of the annual St. Clair Shores Public Safety Department open house from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 9.
This year’s open house will be held at the Central Fire Station, 26700 Harper Ave. The community is cordially invited to attend.
“It’s an opportunity to stop by the fire hall and see how we operate and how we live. We love being firefighters and getting our message out about fire prevention,” Fire Lt. Scott Campbell said. “We look forward to this every year. We love seeing the kids trying on our gear. The guys are more than happy to answer questions.”
The open house is free to attend and will provide children and adults with information about fire safety and prevention. Community members will have the opportunity to interact with public safety personnel and learn valuable tips that could save a life in an emergency.
The afternoon will include the chance to spray a firehose. In addition, the smokehouse exhibit will demonstrate how to safely exit the home in case of a fire. St. Clair Shores Fire Department T-shirts also will be for sale. There also is the possibility that the fire crew will spot a few budding firefighters among the attendees.
“We see the next generation of firefighters or that kid that’s going to take my job one day,” Campbell said.
The open house coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9-15. The National Fire Protection Association has announced its “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” theme for Fire Prevention Week.
“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 100 years,” Lorraine Carli, vice president of the NFPA Outreach and Advocacy division, said in a prepared statement. “At the same time, the theme, ‘Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,’ addresses challenges that remain.”
According to the NFPA website, nfpa.org, it is suggested that families make a home escape plan.
“Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home,” the website states. “Have an outside meeting place, like a tree, light pole or mailbox, a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet. Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.”
The St. Clair Shores Fire Department open house also is the ideal time to remind residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors at home.
During the event, the St. Clair Shores Firefighters Union No. 1744 — celebrating its 55th anniversary — will provide cider and doughnuts.
Campbell said the open house attracts anywhere from 300 to 500 people each year.
“We go through 60 dozen doughnuts and 20 gallons of cider,” Campbell said.
