To the Editor:

The members of the Guilderland Fire Department are once again preparing for their annual open house, which is being held this year on Oct. 4. The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. The firehouse is located on the corner of Western Avenue and Willow Street.

Oct. 5 through 11 is fire prevention week. It is usually one of the first projects that the elementary-school children get involved with in the new school year. Many teachers will call on their local fire departments to sponsor a visit to classrooms, where any number of fire prevention and safety activities can be demonstrated by the volunteer firefighters. They will usually bring a firetruck for tours.

Our goal at the Guilderland Fire Department is to educate the children and make them the teachers in their homes so that the parents will be encouraged to perform the necessary chores that are required this time of year. That is, to check and change the smoke detector batteries and to make sure that they are present in the home; and practice home fire drills with a safe place to meet outside. Staying low in smoke conditions and “get out, stay out” is also good practice.

This year’s open house will feature an automobile extrication demonstration performed several times. The children will be able to save “George’s house,” the façade of the side of a house, by spraying a real fire hose on it.

The Bullex Fire suppression system — simulating digital flames sensitive to a laser extinguisher — will be set up for all to practice using a fire extinguisher. Do you know your PASS? Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep! You will need that in order to extinguish the fire.

There will also be door prizes, lots of fire-prevention materials to hand out, games to win prizes and a “stay low, get out” maze to follow. And, as always, there will be refreshments and food. The event is free to the public.

Fire prevention and safety is serious business. But it can be fun to get involved.  Everyone should have a general knowledge of what to do in a fire or smoke-condition emergency. You are never too young or old to learn and practice fire safety. Use 9-1-1 for all emergencies.

Call your local fire department or visit it online to see when and where it will be hosting its open house this year. Give your child the chance to teach you about fire prevention and safety.

We are planning on a big event again this year. We will be visiting the Guilderland Elementary and Lynnwood Elementary schools to invite them to the open house. You are also invited to attend.

Chuck Meyers
Fire prevention committee
Guilderland Fire Department