By Nick Longworth
nlongworth@parkrapidsenterprise.com
Fire Prevention Week is in full effect in Park Rapids.
Pre-school, kindergarten and first grade students are the primary target for a concentrated message delivered by the Park Rapids Fire Department.
Events actually started last week, when first graders met at the fire hall to hear a message from retired Fire Chief Randy McFarren.
“The biggest thing is talking to your parents about smoke detectors, how they work and making sure they get new batteries in them every year,” said McFarren to the crowd of onlookers.
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McFarren said that to make the message relatable, they teach children to call it a “birthday” for their smoke detector’s batteries.
He also stressed the importance of safety and having a plan.
“I always tell them that you have extra dogs and cats, but there is only one of you,” McFarren said.
Local firefighters will also be visiting Century School later in the week to visit with students in their classrooms.
In the presentations, they will teach the importance of safety and awareness, while offering informational handouts and even smoke detectors to students who do not have one.
“We try to convince them to have a plan with their parents so they know where to go, and what to do when they get there in the event of a fire,” said Fire Chief Donn Hoffman.
“The biggest message we are trying to get out is that you need smoke detectors and you need a plan,” Hoffman said.
Firefighters will also visit eight local daycares to share the same information.
