In commemoration of Fire Prevention Week, the Malden Fire and Police Departments recently held their Second Annual Public Safety Day at Linden Park and School. Fire Prevention Week is a time that all are encouraged to recognize the dangers that can occur in the places we feel the safest. This year’s theme is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice your Escape!” The theme works to educate everyone about the actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. Also sponsoring the event were Cataldo Ambulance, Malden Housing Authority, Malden Redevelopment Authority, Malden Board of Health, Malden DPW, Massachusetts State Police, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica, Councillor at Large Craig Spadafora, Councillor at Large Steve Winslow, Junior Aid Association of Malden, Malden Firefighters Local 902, Girl Scouts, Piantedosi Baking Co., Chelsea Police Department, Town Line Ten Pin, Hot Dog Joe, Maxima Auto Sales and Stop & Shop.
Families and residents came out in large numbers to the free event for fun and interactive ways to learn more about safety. The “touch a truck” events were a great success and children enjoyed learning about and climbing on fire engines and ladders, police cars, an ambulance and DPW trucks. The State Police held an arson dog demonstration to standing room only crowds. Children also enjoyed an obstacle course and smoke house demonstrations as well as safety themed bounce houses, pumpkin decorating, crafts, face painting and games. A DJ kept everyone moving and guests also enjoyed pizza, hot dogs, popcorn and ice cream and received goody bags, safety literature and small trees to plant.
Fire Prevention Week is observed every October in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire that began on October 8, 1871 and killed more than 250 people, along with destroying more than 17,400 structures across 2,000 acres. In 1911, 40 years after the fire, the Fire Marshals Association determined that the anniversary of this fire should be observed annually to generate awareness about fire prevention.
The event was captured in a short video.
