The Manhattan Fire Department announced that they will host their annual open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 13 at its Headquarters Fire Station, located at 2000 Denison Avenue. There will be many interactive demonstrations for all ages, including rides on Old Engine 1, practice escaping out a window, learning about the importance of working smoke alarms, and exploring MFD’s new Haz-Mat truck. Fire trucks, firefighting tools and equipment, drones, search and rescue K-9 Duke, and much more will be on display throughout the event. Kids will have the chance to participate in a firefighter physical skills course to see if they have what it takes to be a firefighter. A live side-by-side fire demonstration that shows the effectiveness of home fire sprinklers will take place at 2 p.m.
Next week, MFD is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” This campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half. Three out of every five fire deaths happen in homes with no working smoke alarms. The Manhattan Fire Department wants to share these key smoke alarm safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.