Gurnee Mills hosts fire safety expo

In an effort to prevent house fires and keep families safe, Gurnee Mills will host the 10th annual Lake County Fire Safety Expo.

Presented by the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association, the event is scheduled for from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in Parking Lot B at Gurnee Mills, between Sears Grand and Bed Bath & Beyond.

This event will provide families a free opportunity to learn the latest fire prevention tips, while enjoying the day with a variety of activities, games, food and a raffle with the chance to win prizes.

“We are proud to continue to host this great community event to keep families safer,” said Michelle Rice, director of marketing and business development at Gurnee Mills.

“Special events like this show our community that Gurnee Mills is not only about more stores, more brands and more savings, we’re also about more fun.”

According to national fire experts, cooking and unattended candles are two of the most common causes of house fires. In an effort to prevent fire, 22 local fire departments will teach children and families the basics of fire safety.

Children can watch a Jaws of Life demonstration, slide down the fire pole, ride in the fire truck and learn about a smoke trailer. Families will also get to experience The Kids Safety Identification Booth, offering free child fingerprinting.

The first 1,000 kids ages 10 and younger will receive a free “Passport to Safety” and one complimentary raffle ticket.

In addition, raffle tickets will be available for purchase for $1, with the chance to win prizes such as an overnight stay at KeyLime Cove, a family 4-pack to Six Flags Great America, a Gurnee Mills shopping spree and more. All of the proceeds will benefit the Lake County Fire Education Programs. The drawing for the raffle will start at 2:30 p.m.