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On Monday, March 23, 2026, Mt.
Pulaski Public Library held a fire safety session. Stephen Mason,
Mt. Pulaski Fire Department’s Public Education Officer, addressed
adults and children on fire prevention and safety. He was joined by
volunteer firefighters. Christian Anderson, Kellen Wilham, and
Cullen Tyson, who shared practical information and demonstrated
firefighting equipment.
Mason first addressed smoke detectors. State law now requires all
homes to have newer detectors with 10-year batteries. It is
recommended they be tested monthly to ensure they are functioning
properly.
He then surveyed the crowd to see if anyone knew the most common
cause of fire in residential homes. Most guessed correctly with
“cooking”. People simply not paying attention or falling asleep
while cooking has been shown to be the most common factor in
residential fires. Mason also advised that candles should never be
left unattended and lighters should be kept out of reach of
children. When colder weather approaches and space heaters become
more common, he advised they be given at least three feet of open
space.
One guest asked about power strips and phone chargers. Mason noted
that both are increasingly prevalent and urged the audience to
purchase high-quality chargers for their lithium-ion devices, as the
quality of the wiring is important to safety. This led to the topic
of electric and hybrid vehicles. He emphasized that fires in such
vehicles are particularly hazardous because of battery components.
In the unfortunate event of a home fire, Mason emphasized the
necessity of a home escape plan and a designated meeting place. He
urged parents to rehearse the escape plan with their children. He
suggested choosing familiar locations, such as a mailbox or a swing
set, at a safe distance from the house, as a family meeting point.
He stressed that once outside, no one should attempt to re-enter the
home.
After Mason concluded his presentation, the firefighters began their
demonstrations. The first featured the essential lifesaving
technique: stop, drop, and roll. Kellen Wilham showed this to the
crowd. Next, Mason invited the children to practice. Several
children came forward to master the technique.
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After stop, drop, and roll, the
firefighters showed off the gear they wear to every fire. Including
their self-contained breathing apparatus, the gear weighs 74 pounds.
Firefighters then invited the group outside, where they demonstrated
the use of a fire extinguisher, the jaws of life, and the new fire
truck. Mason taught the crowd to pull the pin, aim the nozzle,
squeeze the handle, and spray back and forth (PASS) when operating a
fire extinguisher.
The children received home escape plan materials, coloring books,
and other educational handouts.
[Joli Boerma] |
