Merrimack Fire Department Hosts Open House Oct. 5

MERRIMACK, NH — Another summer has flown by and once again it is almost time for Fire Prevention Week. This year’s fire prevention week is Oct. 9 to 15, 2016. During this week all fire departments try to educate the public in ways to prevent needless loss of life from fire. This is the 93rd year that fire departments from around the country have observed this event making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record, according to a press statement.

The National Fire Prevention Association’s theme this year is “Don’t wait - check the date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.” The key message this year is to replace any smoke detector that is 10 years old or older. Most detectors have a date printed on the label located on the rear of the detector. If there is no date, it is most likely older than 10 years old and should be replaced as the detector loses its sensitivity over time and could be no longer working even though the test switch sounds he alarm. Roughly half of the home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 pm and 7 am when most people are asleep and a working smoke detector can be the difference between life and death. Also take the time to check your CO detectors. Most CO detectors are only rated to last 5 to 7 years so check the manual to ensure they get replaced when needed.

The chance of dying in a house fire without working smoke detectors is twice that of with working smoke detectors. Many people don’t test their smoke alarms as often as they should. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. You need working smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Test yours every month!

As part of the Merrimack Fire Departments observance for Fire Prevention Week we will conduct our annual Open House from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016.

The Open House is the department's way of showing the citizens who we are and what we do, as well as demonstrating our emergency capabilities, equipment, apparatus, stations and personnel. This has become an event enjoyed by many Merrimack families, and our normal attendance is 400 to 500 visitors

Open house activities will include fire extinguisher demonstrations, an automobile extrication demonstration with the “Jaws of Life” and several EMS demonstrations, a live fire demonstration showing the differences between a sprinkled and non-sprinkled room, and automobile air bag safety demonstrations. There will be tours of the Central Fire Station and all our fire apparatus and equipment. Gunny the Merrimack Police Department K9 will be giving a demonstration of his skills and the State Fire Marshal’s Accelerant Sniffing K9 will also be in attendance. The Fire Safety smoke trailer will be on-site to show children how to escape from a home fire. Sparky the Fire Dog and Smokey Bear will be making appearances. A new addition this year will be a firefighter’s obstacle course for the kids to try out. Staff members from our Career, Call Fire, Call EMS, and Explorer Divisions will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Refreshments will be provided by several local restaurants.

Submitted by Fire Marshal John Manuele.