Fire prevention was in focus at an Oct. 20 open house at the East Meadow Fire Department Headquarters on East Meadow Avenue. Firefighters welcomed members of the community to a day of fun and education in observance of fire prevention week, which was from Oct. 6 through 12.
Chief James Kane led attendees through three different demonstrations on fire safety. In the first, Devan Finneran and Jose Fuentes demonstrated what fire department volunteers would do if they saw smoke billowing out of a roof.
They climbed up a ladder to get on a mock roof that was propped on a dumpster and spewing smoke in the air. First, they made a small hole with a chainsaw to determine where the smoke was coming from. Once they found it, they cut a square and used a Halligan tool to pry off the section of roof, causing the smoke to release.
Kane then led guests to a second demonstration where he taught them what to do in the case of a stove or barbecue fire. He went over using a fire extinguisher on a stove fire and the proper way to handle a barbecue.
Finally, firefighters demonstrated a vehicle extrication, which is the process of rescuing drivers and passengers from cars after a crash traps them inside. This involves dismantling the pieces of the vehicle that are preventing those inside from escaping.
“The event is not only to help people practice fire prevention at home, but promote the fire department and what we do in the community,” said Chief Paul Kosiba, who set up the event.
The fire department is always looking for new members and the open house was an opportunity for residents to see the benefits of joining. “It’s a big commitment, but it’s a rewarding commitment,” Kosiba said.
