Catch up on open houses at area fire houses
You wake up to the loud chirping of your home's smoke alarm. You assume it's time to change the batteries - but then smell smoke. What do you do? Don't panic, you've prepared yourself for this worst-case scenario by visiting your local fire department's annual open house.
Oh? You haven't?
Well, then you have an opportunity to catch up in October.
Local fire departments will hold the following events in honor of National Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 5-11. It's not only a chance to have fun and learn important safety tips, it's also an opportunity to meet the men and women who, should the unthinkable happen, may save your life.
Addison
The Addison Fire Department will host an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Station 2, 666 S. Vista Ave., Addison. Visitors can meet firefighters, watch demonstration and children can participate in the Kids Firefighter Challenge. For details, call (630) 628-3100 or visit addisonfire.org.
Bensenville
The Bensenville Fire Protection District will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the district headquarters, 500 S. York, Bensenville. The event will include tours of the fire vehicles, an extrication demonstration, rides in the firetruck tower, a dunk tank and inflatable play areas for children. For details, call (630) 350-3441 or visit bensenvillefpd.org.
Carol Stream
The Carol Stream Fire Protection District will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Station 1, 365 N. Kuhn Road. The event will include an appearance by the WBBM News helicopter, Wheeler the arson-sniffing dog, a live fire demonstration for sprinkler systems and more. For details, call (630) 668-4836 or visit carolstreamfire.org.
Glen Ellyn
The Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company will host two open houses during Fire Prevention Week. From 10:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Station #1 downtown, at the intersection of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, an open house will showcase the fire department's equipment along with exhibits from ComEd, Nicor and DuComm. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. Monday October 6 there will be an open house at both fire stations, including Station #2 at 629 Taft Ave. Tours and refreshments will be available.
Glendale Heights
Members of the Glenside Fire Protection District will assist with the Health and Safety Fair in Glendale Heights on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The fair runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sports Hub, 250 Civic Center Plaza.
Itasca
Itasca's Fire Protection District will host an open house from 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the station, 620 W. Irving Park Road. Special events include a medical helicopter landing, a kids' firefighter obstacle course, Teddy bear ambulance, fire safety house and a burn demonstration. Food also will be provided. Admission is free. For more information, call (630) 773-1223.
Lisle
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District will host an open house with demonstrations and equipment displays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Station 1, 1005 School St., Lisle. For details, call (630) 353-3059.
Lombard
Lombard invites residents to its fire department open house from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Fire Station 1, 50 E. St. Charles Road. For details, call (630) 620-5738.
Naperville
The Naperville Fire Department's open house will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the public safety campus and Safety Town along Aurora Avenue west of River Road. The event will include fire extinguisher training, health screenings, vehicle displays, bike registration, appearances by Sparky and McGruff, and many more activities. There will be a Lifestar helicopter exercise at 1:30 p.m. and flashover room demonstrations at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, visit naperville.il.us
Oak Brook
In honor of fire prevention week, Oak Brook Fire Department's firefighters will be visiting schools, churches, day care centers and businesses throughout October to teach adults and children about fire safety. This year's theme is Prevent Home Fires.
Roselle
The Roselle Fire Department will host an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at 100 E. Maple. The event will include fire extinguisher training. a vehicle extrication demonstration. touch-a-truck and more. For details, call fire shift Cmdr. David Gnadt (630) 671-2885 or visit roselle.il.us.
Villa Park
Villa Park invites residents to its fire department open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at fire station 3, 1440 S. Ardmore Ave. For more information, call (630) 833-5350.
Warrenville
Warrenville opens its doors for the fire protection district open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Station 1, 3S472 Batavia Road. For information, call (630) 393-1381.
Winfield
The Winfield Fire Protection District's open house is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at 27W530 Highlake Road, and firefighters and paramedics will on hand to teach families about fire and medical safety. Sparky the Fire Dog and Freddie the Fire Truck also will greet children while they enjoy hot dogs, popcorn and other refreshments. Air Angels Medical Helicopter will be on site, and an extrication demonstration will be conducted in the parking lot. For more information, call (630) 653-5050.