ROCKINGAM – The Rockingham Fire Department will hold its annual “Fire Prevention Day” on Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1207 Rockingham Road in the Winn Dixie parking lot.
Kim Williams, events coordinator with City of Rockingham, shares that Fire Prevention Day corresponds with Fire Prevention Week in Richmond County Schools.
“Free children’s activities for that day include a super slide, bounce house, sports challenge, and an obstacle course” Williams said,
Pencils and fire hats will also be given out. There will be fire trucks and food vendors, as well as a visit from Sparky.
Richmond County Forestry Service will participate in the event as well as Safe Kids organization, which will check car seats for proper installation.
“Fire Prevention Day is not only a fun event for children, but it also allows children to become more familiar with firemen and learn that they are there to help them in an emergency,” Williams said.
Children, and adults, are also taught fire safety.
According to NFPA, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health observance. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week.
In commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Fire Prevention Week is traditionally held on the Saturday or Sunday in which October 9 falls. This was when the famous fire did most of its damage.
