Children of all ages can enjoy an opportunity to see what it's like to be a firefighter on Saturday, Oct. 13, when the Upper Mountain Fire Co. holds an open house for the community during fire prevention week.
The event will feature fire engine rides, aerial truck bucket rides, and tours of the hall along with hands-on activities for attendees, including a firefighter turnout gear challenge and fire hose target range.
"Today's home fires burn faster than ever. 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, so every second we can save getting into our gear counts," said Upper Mountain Truck Capt. Greg Sitek. "Come and see how your time matches up against a firefighter's. Then grab a hose and test your skills."
Other attractions will include a mini-house that uses simulated smoke to teach children how to stay low and find their way out of a smoke-filled room, blood pressure checks and a gym challenge. A coloring book contest will give children attending Lewiston schools a chance to win a ride to school in a fire engine.
Held during Fire Prevention Week, the theme for this year's event will be "Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere." Upper Mountain Chief Charles Smith said the focus will be on 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 two ways out of every room.
"Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go," Smith said. "No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately."
The free open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine on the company grounds at 839 Moyer Road, Lewiston. New member applications and flu shots will be available as will food, refreshments and giveaways for the children.
Upper Mountain Fire Co. provides fire protection, technical rescue and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in the Town of Lewiston.
The company responded to 1,470 calls for service in 2017, making it one of the busiest all-volunteer fire/rescue companies in Niagara County.
