A lighter in the hand

Summer is almost here.  Many schools have already released students for the summer break.  Make sure your family knows that fire does not take a summer break. 

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety and the United States Fire Administration offer these fire safety tips to remind children and their caregivers ways to have a fire safe summer.

  • Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year with your children.
  • Have a fire escape plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves.  Talk about who will help each child get out safely.
  • Children should know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm and there is no adult around.  Help them practice going to an outside meeting place.
  • Teach children to never go back inside a building that is on fire.
  • Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place and out of children’s reach.
  • Never play with lighters or matches when you are with your children.
  • Never allow your child to pick up or bring you a lighter, matches or cigarettes.
  • Keep children at least 3 feet away from anything that can get hot.

This summer, stop by any of the five Maranda Park Parties.  The E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety team will have their mobile smoke demonstration trailer and Jake the Fire Safety Dog on site to teach kids and families how to develop and practice their home fire escape plan, how to stop smoke from entering a room and provide information on how to obtain free smoke or carbon monoxide alarms to those who need them.

Here is the 2018 Maranda Park Party lineup close to Where You Live:

  • June 21: Lamar Park | Wyoming
  • June 28: Smith Ryerson Park | Muskegon
  • July 12: Kollen Park | Holland
  • July 19: East Kentwood High School | Kentwood
  • July 26: Bronson Park | Kalamazoo

Park Parties run from noon-2pm at the dates listed above.  Free lunch will be served to anyone 18 and under starting at 11:30 a.m., while supplies last.