Fire Prevention Month

Fire department teaches safety through fun

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On a busy day in Wantagh, many families found some time to visit the firehouse on Oct. 18 to learn fire safety skills, see some demonstrations and check out the shiny red trucks.

The Wantagh Fire Department hosted its annual open house to mark Fire Prevention Month. Fire headquarters on Park Avenue was open to the public, and there was no shortage of activities. On the main floor, guests could practice using a fire extinguisher or learn CPR. They could learn about the Ladies Auxiliary, which supports firefighters at emergency scenes, or the Explorer Post, for teens aspiring to join the department. Most children left with a complimentary black plastic fire helmet. Upstairs, awards were given out for a fire safety poster contest.

Outside, the fire safety trailer was a popular attraction for kids. As it filled with fake smoke, the children learned how to escape a fire, and were assisted by firefighters out of a window. A BullEx trailer simulated other fire hazards in homes, including a kitchen fire.

In a neighboring parking lot, all the fire trucks were set up for guests to view. Children could shoot water from a real fire house. There were also car extrication and bedroom fire demonstrations.

Fire Chief Jason Jackowitz said the purpose of the open house is for children and adults to learn about the Fire Department and what services it can provide. He noted the many duties it performs from putting out fires, to water rescues at Jones Beach.

Hopefully, he said, a few people might leave interested in joining the department as a volunteer. Jackowitz noted the expanse of Wantagh’s district, one of the largest in Nassau County, which goes from a half-mile south of Hempstead Tunrpike to TOBAY Beach.

The open house, Jackowitz said, is designed to provide residents of the Wantagh Fire District with a comprehensive look at the department. “Fire safety,” he said, “Is obviously the ultimate goal.”