October 1, 2008 - SFD’s Open House and Fire Prevention Week Observance Plans

Official Ceremony to Be Held Saturday

Today, Fire Chief Brian Crawford announced the plans for the Shreveport Fire Department’s Ninth Annual Open House and the National Fire Prevention Week observance activities. The official kickoff ceremonies for both events will be held Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Home Depot located at 110 E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. The National Theme is “Prevent Home Fires.”

This years’ Open House is scheduled in conjunction with the National Fire Prevention Week, which begins Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 through Saturday, Oct 11, 2008. ALL 20 fire stations will open their doors to the public on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

During the Open House, Shreveport’s Firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics will be on hand offering FREE blood pressure checks and blood glucose screenings at stations with ALS units. They will also provide station tours, demonstrate firefighting techniques and emergency medical equipment, as well as, assist the public with developing effective fire escape plans. A guest registry book will be available at every station so that citizens can signup for needed services such as smoke detectors and EMS LifeCare.

“So far this year Shreveport has suffered five fire deaths, and 15 reported fire-related injuries. The Open House is an excellent opportunity for the citizens of Shreveport to meet their neighborhood firefighters. It is also an opportunity for firefighters to educate the public to use simple safety practices in the home which will potentially decrease home fires and fire-related deaths in our community,” says Crawford.