Gurnee Mills hosts fire safety expo
In an effort to prevent house fires and keep families safe, the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association hosts its annual Lake County Fire Safety Expo at Gurnee Mills.
This free community event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in Parking Lot E near Bass Pro Shops, will provide families the opportunity to learn the latest fire prevention tips. It also will feature a variety of interactive activities and games, refreshments and the chance to win prizes.
Nearly 20 Lake County fire departments will take part to teach children and families the basics of fire safety and prevention.
Children will enjoy a kids combat challenge, a demonstration from Lake County's K-9 Unit, a fire safety smokehouse, fire truck rides, a Jaws of Life demonstration, interactions with Smokey The Bear and Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys"R"Us and a Lego fire truck mini build kit to take home.
In addition to dozens of operational fire trucks, Susan G. Komen will be represented by an entirely pink fire truck and an antique fire truck will provide a great photo opportunity.
Local personalities from WXLC 102.3 FM will be on-site hosting a live radio broadcast during the event.
The Simon Kidgits Club® will offer interactive activities, including face-painting, balloon twisters and other entertainment. Families will be able to take advantage of free child fingerprinting and identification kits at The Kids Safety Identification Booth.
The first 1,000 kids 10-years-old or younger will receive a free "Passport to Safety" and one complimentary raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be available for $1, providing attendees with the opportunity to win great prizes including an overnight stay at Key Lime Cove, tickets to Six Flags Great America, a pair of Chicago Wolves tickets, dinner for the family at Rainforest Cafe, a shopping spree at Gurnee Mills and more.
All proceeds will benefit the Lake County Fire Education Programs.
The event schedule is:
• 10:30 a.m.: Trench rescue demonstration
• 11 a.m.: Lake County high angle demonstration
• Noon: Waukegan FD bomb squad demonstration
• 12:30 p.m.: Department of Natural Resources demonstration
• 1 p.m.: Corporate Firefighter Challenge
• 1:30 p.m.: Auto extrication demonstration
• 2 p.m.: Side by side demonstration
• 2:30 p.m.: Raffle on the Main Stage
For information, call (847) 263-7500, visit www.gurneemills.com or check www.facebook.com/GurneeMills and Twitter at @GurneeMills.