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Fire Safety House purchase planned by fire department

What would you do if your family had a fire? Would you or your children know the proper procedure to exit a burning home?
 
The Van Wert Fire Department is asking for support from the citizens of Van Wert and Van Wert County for the purchase of a 280foot trailer to be used in fire prevention work. The Fire Safety House is a mobile educational tool which can be used by the department to graphically demonstrate to children and adults alike, through various “hands-on” exercises, what they need to do to successfully exit a burning building.
 
During the past month, through donations and pledges from local industries, businesses and concerned citizens, the department has raised $15,275. This shows a real commitment on the part of the local businesses, states Chief Ron Rank. The Van Wert Fire Department is now asking for parents to show their support in the endeavor to teach their children fire safety. If one life can be saved by using the information presented through the use of the Fire Safety House, then it is worth the cost, he said.
 
This 28-foot trailer also focuses on actions children and adults can take to prevent fire and burns. Included in the house design are living room, kitchen, bedroom and control room.
 
In the living room, participants can learn fireplace and other home heating safety tips. A telephone system gives the children the opportunity to practice calling the emergency telephone number to receive the help they need.
 
In the full-size kitchen, participants can learn tips on how to avoid cooking fires, burns from scalding water and other general safety tips.
 
Children go inside the Fire Safety House to visit a simulated bedroom where firefighters can teach fire escape skills in a realistic setting using electronically operated smoke detectors, and a non-toxic smoke which gives the effect of an actually fire. As the artificial smoke comes into the room, children learn the necessary actions they should take to get out of a burning building.
 
On the second level, the bedroom arrangement is equipped with a heated door. The children are instructed that in case of a fire, they should always feel a closed door before opening it. Once the house is filled with the non-toxic smoke, children are instructed to “crawl low” below the smoke and feel if the door is hot. If the door is hot, do not open it. The children must find an alternative route of escape. With firefighters’ assistance, the children exit via a chain ladder extending from the second floor.
 
The Van Wert Fire Department still needs to raise $7,200 to purchase the trailer. If this amount is raised and an order placed prior to May, the trailer will be delivered at approximately the end of June. However, if it is ordered after that date, the trailer may not be here in time for Fire Prevention Week which is Oct, 6-12, said Chief Rank.
 
Through the cooperation of Van Wert Pizza Hut, the Department hopes to raise the remaining amount prior to the cut-off date of May. For every $10 donation the Van Wert Pizza Hut will be giving 10 coupons worth $1 off on a medium and $2 off on a large pizza. These donations may be made at either the Van Wert Fire Department or the Van Wert Pizza Hut, the chief said.

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