Stop by the East Meadow F.D.’s annual open house

The East Meadow Fire Department will host its annual Fire Prevention Open House returns on Oct. 15.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the department’s headquarters, 197 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow. The open house is a popular, fun informative — and free — community event.

The open house kicks off National Fire Prevention Week in promoting this year’s theme —“Cooking safety starts with You. Pay attention to fire prevention.” 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries in the United States, and unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. 

The EMFD’s open house offers residents of all ages the chance to see the firefighting and emergency medical services apparatus and equipment that the all-volunteer fire department uses to keep our neighbors safe. There will be live demonstrations, including simulation of a stove fire, and tips on what to do in case of a stove or other fire in the home. As always, there are fun and interactive activities for the kids, including a ride on a real fire truck.

“On behalf of the board of fire commissioners and the men and women of the East Meadow Fire Department, we’re pleased to invite our neighbors to our annual open house,” Commissioner Keith Hoffman said. “Attending gives everyone a chance to meet our fire department volunteers, learn about what they do, and — perhaps — be inspired enough by their stories to join the ranks as a firefighter or emergency medical services volunteer.”

The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Salisbury is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel and no experience is necessary.

The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit EastMeadowFD.com or call (516) 542-4565.

–Jordan Vallone