Coronado, CA (October 1, 2012) The Coronado Fire Department invites the community to celebrate its 20th annual Open House on Sunday.
Fire officials will close off the streets around Coronado’s main fire house on Sixth Street near D Avenue to give residents an up close and personal tour of the fire house and its equipment. Other local, state and federal public safety agencies will be on hand to provide information on the services they provide and to answer questions.
The Fire Department Open House, which is held annually during Fire Prevention Week, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s a family-friendly day with activities for children, such as face-painting and a coloring contest. Hot dogs are free while supplies last and musical entertainment will be provided.
Who: Coronado Fire Department
What: Coronado Fire Department Open House
When: Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 1001 Sixth Street
Coronado Fire Captain Joshua Scarboro said firefighters will provide demonstrations, including extricating people from damaged vehicles following an accident. Public safety officials also will provide residents with information to help prevent fires at home and protect their families.
Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and is observed in cities around the country as a way to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. Coronado’s event also has become a public safety expo featuring local and outside agencies with the Coronado Fire Department acting as host.
Scarboro said the Open House is a great way to educate many people about fire safety and the Department’s services.
“Our Open House is a great way to connect with the community,” Scarboro said. “One of our main goals is to meet residents and talk to people about what we do. With the Open House, we can reach thousands of people in one day.”
Coronado Fire Chief Mike Blood said the Open House also demonstrates how public agencies work together. Many of the calls firefighters receive are not all about fires but other emergencies as well. He said of the approximately 1,850 calls for service firefighters received last year, about 66 percent of them were medical aids.
“There are many types of emergencies we respond to,” Blood said. “This event is a great way to show the community that we all serve this community.”
Among participating fire agencies this year are the Bureau of Land Management, Naval Base Coronado, Imperial Beach and California Department of Forestry. Law enforcement agencies representing Coronado Police Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department and San Diego Harbor Police also will be on hand.
Scarboro said Coronado lifeguards bring out their popular dunk tank to serve up lessons in water safety. Fire and police personnel conduct demonstrations, public education and a helicopter landing.
In addition, agencies from around the county will occupy resource booths. Members of the Coronado Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, will talk about how to be prepared for disaster. The Coronado Emergency Radio Operators will provide demonstrations.
