Folks are invited to stop by the Ellsworth Fire Department on Saturday for an Open House, with fun and information for all ages!

October is Fire Prevention Month, and so the Ellsworth Fire Department is inviting residents in to meet the firefighters and have some fun. There will be equipment on display as well as a trainer to teach you how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Add in lots of fun activities for the kids, and it's a family-friendly event!

The focus of this year's Fire Prevention Month will be to encourage residents to have working smoke alarms and home escape plans in case of an emergency. The smoke alarms should be placed on all levels of the home, as well as inside and outside sleeping areas. They need to be tested monthly and have their batteries replaced twice a year. A good way to remember that is to change them when you change the clocks.

Home escape plans should include two ways out of each room. And be sure everyone knows the location of a safe meeting place where the whole family can gather in case of a fire. That will not only set your mind at ease that everyone got out safely, but will also inform the firefighters that no one is left in the house. Residents are encouraged to bring their escape plan with them to the Open House. If you do, the Fire Department will treat you to one free small three item pizza from Pat's Pizza! (while supplies last)

Everyone hopes that the worst won't happen and they'll never need those smoke alarms and exit plans. But, as my parents always told me, it's better to be safe than sorry!

The 17th Annual Ellsworth Fire Department Open House will be held Saturday, October 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station house. For more information, call the department at 667-8666.

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