To kick off Fire Prevention Month, the SMFD held an Open House to learn about fire prevention with fun interactive events and demonstrations. Over 1000 kids, parents and grandparents enjoyed the 8th Annual Open House held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Fire Station 5.
Guests took rides in a fire truck, watched a clown show teaching fire safety, and witnessed a vehicle rescue demonstration, raced in an inflatable obstacle course, free hotdogs and free child ID kits were available. SMPD, S.W.A.T., Hays County and San Marcos Animal Services, San Marcos/Hays County EMS, and Pink Heals, had apparatus to tour and Hays Unmanned Robotics Team gave demonstrations.
Volunteers were the catalyst for this year’s successful Open House. Citizen Fire Academy members, Hays County Rollin’ Rattlers, Texas State University Students, and friends helped set up tables and chairs, load children for truck rides, prepare food and even dawned the Sparky the Fire Dog costume to give hugs. Firefighter’s, their family members, and retiree’s also helped in serving hundreds of hotdogs, chips, and lemonade to attendees.
The Fire Prevention theme was, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:
- Look for places fire could start.
- Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm.
- Learn 2 ways out of every room.
In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. That’s why home escape planning is so critical in a fire situation. It ensures that everyone in the household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Fire Chief Les Stephens. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
Other Activities for the month were; San Marcos Domino’s® and NFPA partnered with SMFD to promote working smoke detectors, visits to schools and daycare facilities, and the department’s home smoke detector program. Open House is held the first Saturday of October. Hope to see you next year!
Thank you Sam's Club for your generous donation of food and supplies toward our Open House event!
