The Mansfield Fire Department paid a visit to Holinko Estates Wednesday to teach residents about fire prevention and safety.
Firefighters demonstrated the importance of having a fire escape plan, showed off their fire apparatus and emergency vehicles and fielded questions from residents.
The demonstration was part of a pilot program that the department hopes to expand to other areas of the community.
"This idea came out of our Fire Prevention Committee," Fran Raiola, Mansfield's Assistant Fire Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal, said. "Our target is to try to do one in the late spring and one in the late summer, and try to hit two neighborhoods a year," he said.
Raiola's main message to residents?
- Install smoke alarms and be sure to check them periodically;
- Know how to call 911 and provide information.
Jimmy Weh, a resident of Holinko Estates, said the department's message was well-received.
"This definitely was helpful because I've never been to this kind of presentation before," he said.
Resident Megan Huff said the presentation inspired her to discuss a fire escape plan with her young family.
"Just hearing about it, and really with the kids, letting them know how important it is, it's like 'Wow, this is really a matter of life and death,' so I think we will go home and make a plan," she said.
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