The Northbrook Fire Department’s 31st annual Open House on Oct. 14 highlighted fire safety and prevention while giving kids a close-up look at equipment and vehicles.
“Children often fantasize about becoming firefighters or look up to the profession.” said Fire Chief Jose Torres. “They see firefighters as heroes that help people in the community by providing security and a sense of comfort.”
At Northbrook’s Fire Station 12, families gathered for an array of activities including firehouse tours and live demonstrations on fire safety.
Northbrook’s Technical Rescue Team, donning protective equipment, performed a repelling demonstration. Hands-on activities gave participants the chance to sit behind the wheel of a firetruck, dress in firefighter gear, use a real fire hose and meet the canines used in therapy and crisis response.
During Fire Prevention Week, the Northbrook Fire Department spends time educating the public on fire safety issues and to make people aware of implicit dangers.
This year’s theme was “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”
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According to Torres, this slogan is more vital now than ever.
“Our household products like furniture and appliances are made from more synthetic materials and new construction practices create more tightly sealed environments, both of these scenarios result in fires that propagate more swiftly,” he said.
At Fire Station 12, they are intent on involving the community and keeping the community safe all year and say that participating in events like these is only one way to achieve that.
“Another important aspect of our efforts is that we give CPR classes at the station three times a year, and provide educational outreach not solely at events like Open House or Northbrook Days, but during our school visits to primary and middle schools in the area,” Torres said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.