With National Fire Prevention Week wrapping up  Saturday, the Becker Fire Dept. opened its fire station to the public with lights flashing and sirens wailing Saturday morning.

 

This year’s theme for NFPW is, “Every Second Counts, Plan Two Ways Out.”

 

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between one’s escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy. This year’s theme reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan.

 

A few of the campaign messages relayed to residents were, draw a map of your home with all members of the household marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit. Homeowners were also encouraged to practice a home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in the home and practice using different ways out. 

 

Firefighters say to teach children how to escape on their own in case an adult can’t help them, make sure the number of ones home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find. Close doors behind oneself as one leaves – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. And finally, instruct everyone once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

 

Chief Doug Kolbinger appeared pleased as he watched hundreds of people arrive at the Bank Street location to learn more about their rescuers and see them outside their usual tumultuous day-to-days. 

 

Becker has 36 paid on-call  members primarily serving the City of Becker, Becker Township and Santiago Township.

 

The event Saturday gave residents the chance to touch, feel and even wear some of the things firefighters deal with on a daily basis. 

 

Kolbinger spent time visiting with guests while other firefighters showed adults and children the inside of the fire trucks and all its workings. Other firefighters wandered the station handing out balloons or goodies to kids and others were outside demonstrating some of the techniques and functions of a firefighter.

 

Kolbinger’s firefighters also had on full display all their gear at their lockers along the wall for people to see what it all entails.

 

For fun, the station tendered a giant inflatable slide in the middle of the room for kids to leap, spring and jump from.

 

Outside, firefighters were busy taking turns with children looking to get a feel for a real fire hose and the power they have in putting out fires. Firefighter Kortzes grandson, Anthony was all smiles as he held the mighty hose and blasted a simulated house with the help of Firefighter Terry Foradory.

 

Dozens of visitors stood in line to board the big red trucks with the flashing lights and loud sirens and get a ride around town. When guests got hungry or thirsty, they delved into the usual donuts, juice, hot chocolate and coffee.

 

Some kids took the opportunity to try on a massive firefighter uniform and boots and pose for pictures with mom and dad in the uniform that swallowed their little bodies.

 

In another room, handouts on fire safety were available for free to give people great ideas on how to protect themselves and their homes from fires.

 

It was hard not to notice the heavily-damaged vehicle in the parking lot when guests arrived. The vehicle was used for an extrication demonstration featuring the use of the jaws of life.

 

“We had a great turnout on a beautiful day, said Kortz. “As usual, it was a great time had by all.”