Hinsdale Police and Fire Open House Set for Saturday

The following is a release from the :

The Village of Hinsdale Police and Fire Department’s Annual Open House will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Village’s fire station, 121 Symonds Dr. The theme for this year’s Open House is “Protect Your Family From Fire.”

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, there were 360,000 home fires in the US in 2009, which is up from previous years. That’s why this year’s theme focuses on being more proactive about planning, knowing what to do if a fire ever happens in your home, and how to prevent some of the leading causes of residential fires.

Come join the police officers and firefighters for the afternoon with an array of activities that the whole family can learn from and enjoy. Activities include demonstrations on various firefighting equipment, the fire safety trailer, and interactive programs for children. The fire department will also conduct a simulated live burn to demonstrate the advantages of a residential sprinkler system.

activities include a SWAT team demonstration, child fingerprinting, and station tours. Hot dogs, refreshments, balloons, and many other giveaways will be available.

Additionally, the Fire Prevention Bureau has arranged for Fox Valley Fire and Safety to check the fire extinguishers for your home or small business free of charge. Should the check indicate that service is necessary, representatives will be on hand to answer any questions or assist you further in making sure that your fire extinguisher is properly maintained and serviceable. There is a three (3) fire extinguisher limit per person. Residents can purchase new extinguishers or have ones serviced at this time.

Each year, the responds to a significant amount of house fires, both in the Village and in the surrounding areas. Some of the leading causes of these fires are cooking, heating and electrical equipment, candles and other smoking materials, as well as weather related incidents such as lighting strikes. The following tips will help keep your family safe if there is a fire in your home:

• Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement).
• Interconnect all smoke alarms in the home so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms at least monthly and replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond when tested.
• Make sure everyone in your home knows how to respond if the smoke alarm sounds.
• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible ways out. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
• If you are building or remodeling your home, consider installing home fire sprinklers.