Kids learn fire safety at the Island Park library

It was a day of fun and fire safety at the Island Park Public Library on Oct. 14 as children had the opportunity to learn, through instruction and hands-on participation, how to better protect themselves, their families and their homes from the dangers of fire. The event was a send off to Fire Prevention Week, which ran from Oct. 8 to 14.

The activities kicked off with a fire safety-themed story hour led by children’s librarian Lorraine Bianco, followed by firefighter-themed crafts. Children had the opportunity to create their own construction paper cutout fire truck, and help build papier-mâché 911s before being awarded honorary fire chief hats.

The hands-on activities continued as the Island Park Fire Department arrived with a fire truck and ambulance in tow. Both were open for the kids to explore, and the department’s volunteers were on hand to provide additional fire safety tips, such as what to do when one smells a gas leak. Mini fire extinguishers were also distributed to parents for use in their homes.

Fire Prevention Week runs every October in the United States during the week of Oct. 9. It was originally designated to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.