Preparations are underway for the Hicksville Fire Department’s Holiday Fire Safety Open House being held Sunday Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. at the West John Street Firehouse on the corner of Strong Street. Fire safety information will be available along with a few demonstrations outside. Fire safety is important with the approach of the holidays and the winter season. The fire department hopes to encourage attendance by having Santa on hand and, something new for Hicksville, fire engine rides, but the main focus is to be on fire safety.
In past years, a Fire Prevention Poster Contest was held, with all schools involved, but this year being the 10th anniversary of 9/11, too many obligations and events prevented the contest from being held. Next year the poster contest will be held as usual, separate from Fire Safety Open House. This past Sunday, all eight fire companies toured the district, tossing out the always popular popcorn balls to call attention to the open house activities. The Hicksville School District participated by distributing fliers to all elementary and middle schools students.
Specific information will be available on smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and the importance of semiannual battery replacement and recognizing the difference between an actual alarm and a low battery “single” chirp, which does not require a fire department response. There will be information on senior citizen fire safety, home escape drills, common fire hazards in the home, Christmas tree safety, safe candle use, electrical overload precautions, hazardous materials in the home and garage, along with barbecue grill/propane hazards. Families can go through a simulated fire escape drill in the department’s fire safety trailer. The department’s Heavy Rescue Company will demonstrate the use of “Jaws of Life.” Smoke detectors and battery-operated candles will be given out along with several small items for the children.
So come on out: have some fun and ask questions on how to be fire safe. Take home brochures to read at your convenience. Remember, fire can strike anyone. It’s not always the people down the street. Fire is hot, fire is fast – are you prepared?
