Fire Prevention Week aims to teach the public about fire hazards and risks, while also sharing information about how to keep safe.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, Rosser Fire Department hosted its annual open house event. Attendees had the chance to meet members of the local fire department, enjoy a hot dog lunch and check out the equipment, including a brand new fire truck.
Another highlight of the event was a vehicle extraction demonstration that showcased the intensive rescue efforts involved in car accidents.
Kids also had the chance to learn how to react in an emergency situation in the fire safety trailer, which fills with “smoke” to create a realistic scenario.
“It’s important for us to spread awareness. We’re not only in the business of putting out fires — we’re also in the business of preventing fires,” said Mark Hagidiakow, a Rosser fire fighter who is also part of the department’s public education committee.
“That could mean everything from doing pre-incident inspections of a new business that’s opened in the RM or visiting the school and teaching the kids about match safety and lighter safety.”
This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 5 to 11 with the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The campaign stresses how important it is to buy, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.
“We’ve had numerous calls that are involving batteries lately. Part of what people need to know is proper charging, how to store them and proper disposal,” Hagidiakow said.
“There are a lot of people of all ages that need to be educated about fire safety and fire prevention — especially the youth.”
The National Fire Prevention Association shares three steps to use these batteries safely:
1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location.
