Officers deliver a fire safety message to schools | News, sports, work

Noah Johnson Daily Press public safety officers in Escanaba show a student and teacher a piece of equipment from the truck.

ESCANABA – The Escanaba Department of Public Safety spent October informing the community and school children about fire safety during Fire Awareness and Prevention Month.

Faculty visited numerous schools throughout the month, concluding with a visit to the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (DSISD) Center in Escanaba.

“Today it is more of a public relations event. (We) go out and show the kids the fire trucks, the police car and the officer with the dog,” said Escanaba Public Safety Officer Ryan Peterson.

The classes broke into groups and had the opportunity to talk with Peterson and Officer Aaron Young about the equipment and how it worked.

“They’re having so much fun. Everyone, all these kids, get excited when they see the truck and the dog. They’re really having fun and that means a lot to them. I just like seeing the smiles on their faces more than anything,” Peterson said.

Students beamed when they saw the truck and Young and Peterson, with some even running up to the two to hug.

Young showed students the various equipment found in the truck, such as a water pump, a large fan used to put out fires, and more.

Peterson explained the various levers in the truck and gave a tour of the vehicle.

Young also brought along Escanaba Public Safety’s newest member, K-9 Enzo. Enzo and Young demonstrated some basic commands and then allowed the students to pet each other.

Code Enforcement provides free smoke detectors during Fire Awareness Month. Fire and Rental Supervisor Jude VanDamme said they will continue to give them away after October while supplies last.

“We have them available to the community and we would like to see them in everyone’s home,” he said.

“This is an inexpensive device that can save lives.”

Contact Code Enforcement at 906-786-6121 to schedule a smoke alarm appointment while supplies last.

Public Safety pointed to SafeHome.org for fire safety tips.

According to the website, common causes of residential fires include clothes dryers, smoking, flammable liquids, portable heaters, cooking, fireplaces and more.

The good news is that there are preventive measures, such as installing a smoke detector.

We encourage residents to install sensors throughout their home, in every sleeping area and beyond. Detectors should be tested once a month to ensure they are working. The batteries should be replaced once a year and the sensor every 10 years.

SafeHome also recommends installing fire extinguishers, teaching children about fire dangers, creating an evacuation plan and developing a family or household communication plan.

The full guide can be found at www.safehome.org/resources/fire-prevention-guide.