Presenting safety tips in a fun fashion

Woodmere Fire Department hosts ‘prevention day’ event this Sunday

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Teaching residents fire safety tips and having them learn the role of the fire department are the two main goals of Fire Prevention Day, where the Woodmere Fire Department will open the doors of the firehouse at 20 Irving Place to the public on Sunday.
“The Woodmere Fire Department hosts this event to help educate the community on the danger of fire and how to protect themselves, their families and their property,” Fire Chief Lenny Cherson said about the event. “This event also helps us open our doors to the community to show them what we do and the services we provide.”
It will run from noon to 4 p.m., and include live demonstrations by the volunteer firefighters and the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office, fire truck rides for youngsters, as well as food and prizes. Children can board the department’s fire engines and ambulances, and put on firefighting gear. New this year, the department will have a giant fire truck slide for youngsters to play on. All can learn tips to prevent fires, as well as what to do in an emergency.
“Fire Prevention Day is designed to teach both kids and adults, young and old, what we do in the Woodmere Fire Department, as well as fire safety tips,” said Fire Education Coordinator Jason Hagler.
Attendees will be able to see what the department’s firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) do on a daily basis, and have the opportunity to apply to join the department. The department recruits year-round for residents who are interested in serving their community as volunteer firefighters and EMTs, and representatives will be on hand at Fire Prevention Day to discuss what it takes to be a member.

“We are always looking for new volunteers,” Hagler said, a firefighter in Woodmere for more than six years. “Our department relies solely on volunteers from the neighborhood to keep us responding to calls for help both day and night. We encourage anyone who wants to volunteer to stop by and pick up an application.”
Founded in 1889, the department provides fire, rescue and advanced life support emergency medical care to Woodmere and Cedar Bay Park, as well as the villages of Woodsburgh and Hewlett Neck. In addition, Woodmere provides mutual aid to the Hewlett, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Inwood and Valley Stream fire departments.
Last year, nearly 75 members responded to more than 800 alarms. For more information or to reach the department, visit woodmerefd.com or call (516) 821-3600.
“Fire Prevention Day teaches the community how to be safer and how to deal with emergencies,” said Woodmere Fire Commissioner David Stern, a veteran firefighter and department EMT. Stern added that residents should remind their children to always call 911 in the event of the emergency.