Thathcher Fire Department hosts Open House

Brooke Curley Photo/ Gila Valley Central: The line to get into the Thatcher Fire Department open house was out the door and down the sidewalk.

brooke@gilavalleycentral.net

THATCHER – It’s an annual event, but the parking lot was full anyway.

The Thatcher Fire Department’s open house stared at six o’clock. Children attending the event were given a balloon, a treat bag, and a coloring book, along with the customary fireman’s hat. As an added bonus  the attendees were served a dinner of hot dogs and chips.

Thatcher Fire Chief Mike Payne told Gila Valley Central that the open house is a yearly event. Although the department does not overly advertise the event, Payne said that it is usually well attended.

Brooke Curley Photo/ Gila Valley Central: Thatcher Fire Chief Mike Payne stands beside one of the fire trucks in the Thatcher fire station.

Brooke Curley Photo/ Gila Valley Central: Thatcher Fire Chief Mike Payne stands beside one of the fire trucks in the Thatcher fire station.

“We do one each year in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week,” Payne said. “We usually have 500 people visit. So far we’ve had roughly 450 people show up. That’s a pretty good crowd for a Tuesday night. It’s good to see the community come out and support us and get involved.”

When asked what the fire department might need from the community, Payne said that they’re always ready to accept community volunteers.

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” Payne said. Although the fire department is always willing to accept volunteer help, Payne told Gila Valley Central that the Thatcher Fire Department has a number 3 ranking, with 1 being a pristine fire department, and 10 being a poorly-run department.

Brooke Curley Photo/ Gila Valley Central: Sparky the Dalmatian was at the fire station to visit with attending kids.

Brooke Curley Photo/ Gila Valley Central: Sparky the Dalmatian was at the fire station to visit with attending kids.

 

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Don’t Wait – Check the Date!

  • Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of our three-year effort to educate the public about basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety.
  • Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Because NFPA’s survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. Read more from NFPA Journal.
  • As a result of those and related findings, we’re addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these key messages:
    • Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
    • Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.
    • To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

 

 

Source: National Fire Protection Association

 

 

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