ELFD to host open house

Date: 9/19/2011

Sept. 19, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Fire Department will host its annual open house on Oct. 1.

The event, which will take place from noon to 3 p.m., is being hosted in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Month and will allow adults and children alike an opportunity to learn about fire safety.

“This event is basically to educate and reinforce what people already know about fire safety,” Fire Chief Richard Brady said.

Fire station personnel will provide tours of the fire station, while the department’s fleet will be on display, giving residents the opportunity to learn about all of the equipment at the department’s disposal.

The event will include a Jaws of Life demonstration, as well as a pan fire demonstration and an automated external defibrillator will also be on display.

A bounce house will also be on site and free pizza, courtesy of Papa Gino’s, and popcorn will be available. Smokey Bear from the United States Forest Service has also been on hand in the past and may make an appearance.

Brady said the event is an important one for children as it helps reinforce the fact that firefighters are there to help.

“It gives kids a chance to talk to local firefighters and get to know them,” Brady said. “We certainly want children to learn not to be afraid of us and that in an emergency, if they see us, they should run to us, not away from us.”

He added that parents also benefit greatly from bringing their children to the open house.

“Many times parents have questions, whether it’s about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, ladders or whatever else,” he said. “They have a captive audience in us at this event and they can ask all of the questions they’ve thought of at home, but have never asked.”

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