By Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — The Fire Department hosted its own version of a junior firefighter course and invited children of all ages to participate as they promoted Fire Prevention Week on Friday.
Despite the rain, residents came out to support the event, which, according to officials, began about eight years ago. Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed the week of Oct. 9, according to the National Fire Protection Association website.
"I think fire prevention is a must for every fire department," firefighter Carol Taylor said. "It’s a great learning tool. It’s fun for the children."
During the week, many schools dedicate classroom and activity time to teach children the importance of fire safety, and fire departments hold open houses to educate the public.
The open house was held from 6 to 8 p.m. at 401 Firehouse Lane during which displays and demonstrations, safety literature, refreshments and giveaways were available for all.
Magic Mike the magician put on a magic show and twisted balloons into various objects for the kids.
The open house was organized by Fire Marshal Brian Richardson. Numerous stations were set up throughout the firehouse for residents and kids to participate in.
Ms. Taylor was running the station that taught children about exit drills in the home, having an evacuation plan and how to properly feel the door.
"I think everybody is having a good time," Ms. Taylor said. "The kids are doing all the things."
For her, the highlight of the evening was "working with the kids."
Fire Marshal Richardson encouraged residents to "get outside" when there is a fire.
"We don’t want them in your front yard," he said in reference to a meeting place.
He recommended meeting places could be a neighbor’s house, a tree or bush or a mailbox.
"This way, everybody goes to the same place, and this way, we can account for everybody very easily," he said.
Children also were taught how to "stay low and go" by crawling through a tunnel. Next, the kids were able to test their firefighter skills by pulling out a hose and putting out a fire.
Children then moved on to practicing "stop, drop and roll" at the station.
"If you or I have a fire on our sleeves, we don’t want you to cover your face," he said. "We want you to keep your arms at your sides. As long as the fire is not on your arms, we want you to cover your face and roll."
Station apparatus and a police car were available for everyone to see and climb in and out of. Bucket rides were provided in the tower truck as it hoisted guests up into the air above the firehouse.
The message of this year’s week, working smoke alarms save lives, encourages children and adults alike to implement behaviors that prevent fires and strategies to use in the event of a fire.
"Make sure they are less than 10 years old and change the batteries twice a year," Mr. Richardson said about smoke alarms. "We are trying to push the new 10-year smoke detectors that are out. They are a little pricier, but you just have to put it up and just have to test it once a month. It doesn’t need a battery until 10 years."
In addition to efforts during Prevention Week, the Fire Department has a smoke detector program. If residents need a smoke detector or have one, but need it installed, they can call to schedule an installation date.
The department also can assist residents in changing a smoke detector’s batteries, according to its website. Residents are encouraged to test their smoke alarms every month.
"Don’t put a smoke detector in your kitchen because you are going to get a lot of nuisance alarms," Mr. Richardson said.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms give an early warning so residents can get outside quickly. Smoke alarms should be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level. They should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection.
In addition, people who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
Roughly two out of three fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or where the alarms are not working, according to the website.
National Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record, according to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center.

