To kick off Fire Prevention Month in October, the Great Neck Alert Fire Company visited 1,500 students at E. M. Baker, Saddle Rock, and John F. Kennedy elementary schools to teach the importance of fire safety and prevention.
Hands-on assemblies were presented to the students who were taught how to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothing catches fire. Students also watched a film and received an activity book that provides tips about fire safety and prevention, the importance of having working smoke detectors and who to call in the event of a fire. Members of the fire company gave live demonstrations and a tour of the fire truck onsite to the students.
On Sunday, Oct. 5, the Great Neck Alert Fire Company hosted an Open House that was attended by over 700 people from the community, including dignitaries and officials. There were several demonstrations on how firefighters prevent fires and save lives. Adults and children learned about fire safety including how to safely extinguish a kitchen fire and how to use fire extinguishers.
Firefighters also demonstrated vehicle extrication and how to force open a door using forcible entry techniques. Alert Junior firefighters were also on hand to explain the different equipment used in the fire truck and how to use a hose and aim at a target. They also distributed handouts and giveaways for kids.
The goal of Fire Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, is to raise awareness about fire safety and help ensure your home and family are prepared in the event of an emergency.
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic conflagration in 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. To learn more about fire safety, please visit the Alert Fire Company website at www.alertfd.org and click on the Safety Info Tab.
