October 9, 2003

Fire Prevention Week 2003

       This week (October 5-11) is Fire Prevention Week (FPW) as declared by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Everyone is encouraged to participate as this year's FPW campaign – "When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!" – teaches two simple but life-saving lessons:

1)  Install smoke alarms and test them regularly
2)  Develop and practice home fire drills               

    White River Township Fire Department will be visiting each of the district's five elementary schools to deliver this fire prevention message.  "The kids really enjoy this week and at the same time are taking home valuable life skills" said Division Chief Eric Brown.  "We usually get a couple of phone calls each year from parents stating their excitement on how much their children have learned throughout the week" he added.  Even though it's a long week for firefighters, they too enjoy getting out and getting in the schools.  "You know you're doing your job when a child sees you in the store and yells 'hey! it's fireman Don!' from across the way.  We're not only sending a fire prevention message, but we're building trust as well" said Battalion Chief Don Young.  The department also participates weekly at each of the schools with "Lunch with a Firefighter," a program where firefighters have lunch with the students.  For more information on FPW, click HERE to go to the official web site.

           
(Click on a thumbnail to view larger photo)

     

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