Residents interested in meeting the city’s firefighter/paramedics, along with the command staff of Murphy Fire Rescue, can do so at the Fire Station Open House. 

The event, planned for Saturday, Oct. 15, starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. at the station located 206 North Murphy Road.

The Open House concludes the annual celebration of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9 through 15. This year’s theme is “Fire won’t wait, Plan your escape.”  At the Open House, firefighters will stress the importance of families having an escape plan that gets occupants out of a burning structure, including the selection of a meeting point away from the building. Even a simple drawing of a home’s layout with arrows pointing from each room to the nearest exit are effective, but only if all family members participate.

Firefighters also encourage families to conduct unannounced fire drills. An adult can signal the start of a drill by blowing a whistle or making some other loud noise. Family members at home should respond by evacuating the home without hesitation and meeting at a prearranged location outside the home. 

The Open House will feature live demonstrations of the various firefighting and life-saving activities that firefighters and paramedics undertake daily. Visitors can tour the Fire Station and learn how firefighters spend their days. A highlight will be a CareFlite helicopter landing on the municipal complex grounds provided, of course, a real-life emergency does not occur.

Other activities include a bounce house shaped like a fire truck for younger children and a Junior Firefighter Obstacle Course for children of all ages. Games, movies, and CPR demonstrations will also be part of the festivities. Sparky the Fire Dog will make an appearance greeting attendees and posing for photographs. Free food and drinks will be offered. 

Parking is available at the various City Hall lots on the municipal campus.

Further information on the Open House, or on any aspect of fire safety, can be obtained by calling the Fire Department at (972) 468-4300.