Another summer has flown by and once again it is time for Fire Prevention Week. This year’s Fire Prevention Week is being observed from October 6th through the 12th.

During this week, as well as throughout the month of October, fire departments across the country try to educate the public in ways to prevent needless loss of life from fire. This year marks the 96th annual observance of Fire Prevention Week. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) theme this year is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape, Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The NFPA identifies several critical aspects of a home escape plan including; knowing at least two ways out of every room, installing smoke detectors on every level and in every bedroom and identifying a meeting place once out of the home.

As part of Merrimack Fire Rescue’s observance of Fire Prevention Week, we will conduct our annual Open House on Wednesday evening, October 16th, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The Open House is Merrimack Fire Rescue’s way of showing our citizens who we are and what we do, as well as demonstrating our emergency capabilities, equipment, apparatus, stations and personnel. This has become an event enjoyed by many Merrimack families, and our normal attendance is 400-500 visitors

Open house activities will include fire extinguisher demonstrations, EMS demonstrations, a live fire demonstration showing the differences between a sprinkled and non-sprinkled room, and automobile air bag safety demonstrations. There will be tours of the Central Fire Station and all our fire apparatus and equipment.

The State Fire Marshal’s Accelerant Sniffing K9 is scheduled to attend. Sparky the Fire Dog and Smokey Bear will be making appearances. There will be various fun and educational activities for kids and adults. Staff members from the various Divisions of Merrimack Fire Rescue will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Refreshments will be provided by several local businesses.