The Lander Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) is teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and Fremont County Fire Protection District to visit daycares, preschools, and elementary schools to provide fire prevention education. They will meet with nearly 20 different classrooms throughout the community. The week will culminate with an open house on Thursday, October 10, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Lander Fire Hall.
This year’s fire prevention theme from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign aims to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. According to the NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Youth in our community are learning about the importance of smoke alarms and the dangers of matches. Students have also watched the transformation of a regular community member putting on all their gear to become a firefighter. Kids are encouraged to touch the firefighter gear so they understand that firefighters are helpers and not to be scared of their large size and bulky equipment. Some tours have also included hands-on opportunities with a firetruck or ladder truck.
Front Row (L to R): Chris Johnson, Josh Heninger, Nick Johnson Back Row (L to R): Matt Ward, Tucker Prante, Noah Ivey
According to Chris Johnson, City of Lander Airport and Fire Department Manager, “This week is a favorite among firefighters in our community. We get to provide education to the children of our community and help teach them about fire safety.”
“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” says LVFD Chief Eric Siwik. “The week culminates with our open house on Thursday at the fire station from 6:00–8:00 PM, where several agencies will be present to share safety tips from their respective fields.”
A variety of agencies will be participating in the open house. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the U.S. Forest Service, Guardian Flight, Classic Air Medical, Fremont County Emergency Management Agency, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Lander Police Department, Fremont County Fire Protection District, and more!
There will be several demonstrations this year, including a Jenga demonstration and an arson dog demonstration, to name a few. Guardian Flight will land a helicopter in the fire station parking lot, offering attendees the opportunity to meet the flight crew and see the helicopter up close.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about fire prevention and safety at the open house. Individuals interested in becoming a part of the fire department are encouraged to attend.
The Lander Volunteer Fire Department offers the following key smoke alarm safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (such as in a hallway), and on each level of the home, including the basement.
- Ensure 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 pressing the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.