Things get hot in Seaford

Things heated up quickly on Sunday at the Seaford firehouse on Southard Avenue. The Fire Department held its annual open house for Seaford residents to come down and learn more about fire safety and prevention.

With a turnout of more than 75 people, children and volunteers had fun participating in evacuation drills and meeting the volunteer firefighters who are available 24/7.

“It’s fire prevention week and the main goal of this event is to educate the public and kids,” Seaford Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Bellissimo said. “We try to cover all the bases, including going over equipment and how to get out of a fire. If they can pick up the knowledge base, that’s great.”

Volunteers from the department’s Emergency Medical Services were also in attendance. They demonstrated first-aid techniques and gave a tour of the inside of an ambulance.

“As the officer, I make sure that all of the ambulances are stocked with supplies and that training is being done properly,” EMS Captain Kristy Juliano said.

“For fire prevention, we make sure to answer any questions regarding what’s actually inside an ambulance as well as taking blood pressure. Our main concern is to show children that we are not scary, but here to help.”

The open house was also a way for firefighters to recruit members directly or register children for the Explorer’s program. The program ensures that interested teens ages 14 to 18 learn the details of fire prevention and are prepared for the requirements that are needed to become a firefighter, once they are an adult.

“It’s a great program,” Seaford Fire Chief Robert Podesta said. “I went through it 35 years ago when I joined, so I’m a big promoter of it.”

Along with different residents of the community, organizations such as Seaford Girl Scouts were in attendance to learn more about fire safety.