Never be afraid of a firefighter, children learned June 26 during the Margate Fire Department Open House.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – The Fire Department held its annual Open House Wednesday, June 26 to provide youngsters with some lifesaving information about what to do in the event of a fire.
The annual event offers a fun way to get some important messages across to the city’s youngest citizens. Dozens of children attended the event with their parents and grandparents. Some came for the hot dogs and ice cream, but all participated in drills meant to protect their safety in the event of a fire.
Children recited the number to call in the event of a fire at their home. They learned they should leave the house immediately and not return until the fire department says it is safe. They learned to never try to go back to save their dogs, cats, goldfish and turtles.
Fire Chief Dan Adams drilled them on two fun fire safety concepts – to crawl under the smoke, represented by firefighters waving grey blankets – and to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.
Stop, drop and roll.
Children were then introduced to a firefighter in full turnout gear. Looking kind of scary for the youngest children, Adams told the children to never fear a firefighter. Some watched intently, while others offered high-fives.
“They are there to help you and keep you safe,” he said.
Children got to climb aboard fire trucks and an ambulance parked in the lot behind the Margate City Public Library. Firefighters showed off their brand new engine/pumper truck – Engine 22 – which is still being outfitted for service. Children stood in line to try their hand at operating a firehose directed at the fake flames atop a little white house positioned near the bulkhead.
Rory Belkin, who summers in Margate, said she brings her children, ages 2 and 4, to the event every year.
“This is something fun for the kids to do. They like the music and trying to honk the horns,” she said.
Mom Colleen Kaufelds of Northfield comes every year, she said.
Although her children are kind of young to appreciate the messages being shared, they love the event nonetheless.
“This is a phenomenal event. It’s one of the most kid-friendly events in the area,” she said.
Firefighter Chris Maher’s sister, who had three children running around the parking lot in different directions, also comes to the event every year from Northfield.
“They love their uncle and it’s very informative,” Kylie Cappelluti said. “But really, they love it because it’s fun.”
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