Ames' Annual Fire Station Open House Set For Oct. 12

From the City of Ames:

09/25/2019 11:00 AM

The Ames Fire Department will host its seventh annual Fire Station Open House from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Fire Station No. 1, 1300 Burnett Ave. Participants are encouraged to explore fire trucks, see Sparky the Fire Dog and Freddy the Fire Truck, tour the fire station, and learn more about fire safety as part of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6 – 12). This free, fun, and informative event is great for all ages.

“Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” is the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week. The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Fire Chief Rich Higgins. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 incident that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on Oct. 8, but continued and did the most damage on Oct. 9, 1871.

In October, Ames firefighters will be visiting all Ames elementary schools to deliver fire prevention information and materials. Also, they will be holding a coloring contest for second graders with the winner receiving an Ames Fire T-shirt and a ride to school on a fire truck.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.