By Jim Newell

Review Editor

There were sweet fall treats, crafts and a bounce house. Kids could practice their fire hose skills by dousing a cutout of a wood house, climb through fire trucks and watch as firefighters demonstrated how they cut apart an SUV to extract someone who has been in an automobile accident.

But the message for the day was safety. Fire Prevention Week was Oct. 6-12.

The Orion Township Fire Department hosted its annual open house on Sunday, giving Orion area families the chance to meet with firefighters, explore Fire Station No. 1 on Anderson St. and have fun.

“It’s the most important day for the fire department. We can really talk and engage with our citizens. All of the members on the department love the job and really enjoy giving back and helping the community,” said Lt. Chris Hagan, public education coordinator for the fire department. “The open house provides citizens the opportunity to bring their family and familiarize them with the firefighters. In the event of an emergency, like a fire, we’re no longer strangers; they know we’re here to help.

In addition to information on fire safety, firefighters also demonstrated some basic CPR techniques.

“This year’s theme for the National Fire Protection Association is ‘not every hero wears a cape.’ The theme is meant to remind citizens that simple decisions and practices can truly lead to saving lives,” Hagan said.

The fire department advises three practices that residents can do to help mitigate a catastrophe in the event of a fire in their home: make sure smoke alarms are functioning; sleep with their bedroom doors closed (“Close before you Doze”); and practice fire drills.

“If parents have any questions, the fire department can offer ample information. All they have to do is call us if they want a home fire safety inspection. If anyone wants the fire department to come and talk to a group of children, if anyone, or any group, wants to tour a fire station, contact the fire department administration line,” Hagan said.

Contact the Orion Twp. Fire Department at 248-391-0304 ext. 2000 for information on

The Orion Twp. Fire Dept. offers Heartsaver CPR/AED training, CPR/AED/First Aid training and license renewal classes.

Contact EMS Coordinator Capt. Chris LaGerould at 248-391-0304 ext. 202, or email clagerould@oriontownship.org for class information.

For more photos see Oct. 16 issue of The Lake Orion Review.