Fire prevention is something to take very seriously. But for the Huntingdon Valley Fire Company, it’s also a lot of fun.
The HVFC held its annual Fire Prevention Day on Saturday, Oct. 11, and families came out in droves to learn about fire safety while enjoying food, music, a bouncy castle and pumpkin painting.
Youngsters had the opportunity to explore the inside of a fire truck and use a fire hose to douse a “fire” on a playhouse.
Firefighting vehicles of all kinds were on display, including a marine fireboat and a ladder truck. The Upper Makefield Fire Company and the Abington Fire Company also participated.
A highlight of the day was the first-ever Rubber Ducky Regatta. Children placed their ducks on Red Lion Road and watched them “swim” down the course with a little help from a fire hose.
“It's a big day for people to come out and learn about fire safety,” said Kate Valesky, the battalion chief. “The whole point is for people to come out, learn about fire safety, meet the firefighters and see the trucks and equipment.
“It’s very important for people to have this information.”
This year’s fire safety theme is “Smart Charging.”
“It’s a pretty common fire hazard right now with all the lithium batteries that are out there for cellphones, mobility scooters, e-bikes, really so many things,” Valesky said. “We’re seeing a lot more fires from those things. We want to teach people to be smarter about their charging. They need to remember to unplug things and charge when you’re home.”
They also showed an example of an escape ladder set up from a window.
“Many people have never seen that before, so that’s a big thing for us to show them here,” Valesky said. “There are resources and things they should be practicing at home when it comes to fire safety, and the goal is to make them aware of those things.”
The fire department also gave a vehicle rescue demonstration.
“It’s very important for us to be visible in the community,” said Fire Chief Ted Middleman, whose daughter, Jess, is also a member of the fire company. “This is the best day that we can have. We love having everyone come out and see our trucks and learn about fire safety. We want them to understand everything we offer, from water rescue to our new aerial device.”
The fire company goes into schools to teach fire safety to students.
“We visited all the schools in the township this past week, just to give them fire safety tips, and hopefully this reinforces those lessons,” HVFC Assistant Chief Joe Bannon said. “We have the demonstrations and hopefully the kids have fun and learn at the same time. It’s all about teaching the kids and the adults about what to do and what not to do if there’s a fire.”
The company is transitioning into Fetters Mill Fire Rescue, a merger with the Bryn Athyn Fire Company.
“Both have a lot of pride and a lot of history, and while it’s been challenging trying to get both departments together, we’re getting there step by step,” Middleman said. “It’s a process and it takes time, but we’re definitely getting there.”
The Lower Moreland Police Department, Public Works, The Huntingdon Valley Library and Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue, complete with rescue dogs Cooper and Darcy, were on hand to provide information about their services and meet local residents.
Scott Smith is the chief of police for Lower Moreland.
“These kinds of events are great because the people get to meet all the various partners we have who also serve the community,” he said. “The police department, the fire department, the township officials, the library, everyone is here in one place. They get to meet us, see our faces. Everyone has tables set up with free stuff for the kids to get them engaged, which is great.
“It’s a way that we can all partner together and get to know our community and have them know us. It puts a face to us. They can see that we’re human. They can talk to us. We have good officers, and the people in our Public Works Department are great as well.
“This is a day for us to all have fun and for the public to see that we’re here to help them. It humanizes everything we do.”
The Public Works Department is responsible for construction, traffic and transportation, solid waste, and water and wastewater in the township.
“This event means a lot to me and the department,” said Steve Woerner, the director of public works. “I’m always happy that the fire company allows us to also participate in this day because for me it’s a chance to meet with the community and talk about some of the things we do for them.
“I want everyone to know exactly what public works does. We have a lot of information for the community. The fire department attracts a lot of people to this event, so it’s a perfect opportunity for us to engage with the community and let them see what we’re all about.”
The township building also had its open house at the same time.
“The fire department is kind enough to let us piggyback on their event and truly make it a day for the entire community,” Commissioner Debbie Kuritz said. “We have so much information to share about what we can offer the people in our community. This is a great chance for us to get connected and stay connected with them and show them that we’re here to serve them.”
For 7-year-old Grace Dunn, it was all about the fun.
“I’m having a good time,” said Dunn, who attends St. Albert the Great Catholic School in Huntingdon Valley. “I’m learning about what to do if there’s a fire. I saw a ladder so I can climb out the window. It’s less scary now that I can see it.”
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