Fun and games at Nelson’s Heritage Fire Hall Open House
By Contributor
This year Nelson will be celebrating Fire Prevention Week from October 5-11, 2014.
During Fire Prevention Week, in addition to other activities, Nelson’s Fire Department will be holding an Open House at the historic fire hall.
There will be fire fighters on hand to answer any questions, trucks to explore, activities for the kids, and contests for both young and old.
The Open House will be October 11from 11 a.m.-2 p.m, at 919 Ward St.
Children are encouraged to explore activity centers to learn skills and knowledge, which will help protect them (and their parents) from fire.
They will learn about smoke alarm testing, how to cope with a smoke-filled room (simulated smoke), run a Jr fire fighter obstacle course, and more. With some luck, they might also run into Sparky.
If they visit enough of our centers, they will also have an opportunity to win our “Chief For A Day” contest.
Adults can learn about our “Free Fire Insurance” contest, which asks everyone to show how they have taken steps to make their home safer in case of a fire. Entering is simple and can be done at home or at the hall.
Parents can also enlist their children to help them enter, by returning our Jr Fire Inspector survey. Copies of the form will be available at the open house, as well as on-line via nelson.ca.
Those who are unable to attend the Open House are encouraged to at the very least check their smoke alarms. Alarms older than 10 years need to be replaced, whether hard-wired or battery operated.
Alarms need to be tested once a month and have batteries replaced once a year (minimum). If anyone needs assistance checking or installing an alarm, they should contact Nelson Fire Rescue at 250- 352-3103. The service is free!
Whether or not citizens of Nelson are able to attend the Open House, they do have a chance to win free pizza during Fire Prevention Week. Nelson Fire & Rescue Services has again paired up with Panago’s Pizza to give away pizza and fire alarms.
Order a pizza during that week (October 5-11)and if your delivery is done in a fire truck, and if you show a working smoke alarm to the fireman and you win your pizza! If you don’t have a working alarm, the fireman will give you one to help keep your household safe.
Anyone with questions or concerns about smoke alarms, Nelson’s FireSmart program, or fire safety in general, is encouraged to discuss them with fire service personnel. The website also has excellent fire safety information.
