Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department and Farmington Twp. Volunteer Fire Company visit North Clarion Elementary School for National Fire Safety Prevention Week. Photo courtesy Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.
VENANGO COUNTY, Pa. (EYT) — This week is National Fire Prevention Week and local fire departments are working with schools, preschools and daycares as part of an ongoing effort to educate the public on fire safety.
Firefighters know that this is the type of educational opportunity that could save a life. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were a total of 112 home fire fatalities in 2017 and 98 home fire fatalities have already been reported for 2018. According to the National Fire Protection Association, children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 65 are at the highest risk for injury or death in a fire. This is why Fire Prevention Week aims to bring awareness for fire prevention and fire safety in our communities and schools.
The Clintonville Fire Department provided a presentation on Wednesday night at the K-Mart Plaza in Reno to offer fire safety programming for free to the public. They are also visiting the Victory Elementary School as well as another public presentation at the Seneca Cranberry Mall.
All of the Clintonville Fire Department’s appearances feature their newly-acquired fire engine that they purchased this year from Unionville. The Fire Department also recently purchased all battery operated hydraulic tools. Chief Gerry Rea explained how this new technology can save time and potentially save lives. “When we show up at an accident, we don’t have to get the power unit running and hoses connected to the power unit,” Rea said. “We can just grab the tool and go with it. All we have to do is turn the button on.”