Waukee Fire Department Brings Awareness to Fire Prevention Week

The word is spreading like wildfire: it's Fire Prevention Week.

The national campaign, held Oct. 9-15, brings awareness to fire prevention with tips on how to prevent a fire and keep your family safe in the event of one.

Clint Robinson said members of the fire department have been out in schools this week educating kids on fire prevention and what they can do to protect themselves should a fire occur. Things like "Stop, Drop and Roll" and staying low in a smoky environment are just two of the lessons being taught by firefighters this week.

"We've seen almost 500 kids this week between the day cares and elementary schools," he said. "One of the funny things is that a lot of these kids are answering all the questions right on the first try. They know about 911, they know what to do in the event of an emergency. It's all good things."

Robinson said the fire department has also been offering tours to small groups giving kids a behind-the-scenes look at the fire station.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week or for activities you can do with your kids, visit the National Fire Protection Association or Fire Prevention Week.

Check Your Smoke Detectors

Robinson said Fire Prevention Week isn't all about the kids. He said there's one piece of information adults should take away from it too.

"We want people to make sure they're checking their smokes detectors," he said. "Typically, we say when daylight savings rolls around, you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You should have one on each level of your home and one in each bedroom."

A Pancake Breakfast

Additionally, this weekend, residents can join the Waukee Fire Department and the Waukee Fire Association for an "all you care to eat" pancake breakfast and food drive.

The event will be held at the Waukee Fire Station Saurday from 7 to 11 a.m. and will feature a pancake breakfast, hands-on activities for the kids, fire demonstrations and more. Cost for the breakfast is $5 for ages 5 and older. Children 4 and younger eat free. All the proceeds from the breakfast go to pay for items for the Fire Department not covered by the city budget.

Additionally, those attending are asked to donate a non-perishable food item for the Waukee Food Pantry. 

For more information about the event, call Waukee Fire Department at 515-987-4712 or email waukeefd@waukee.org.