WFD hosts Open House

By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Reporter

It is that time of year again where the Walpole Fire Department (WFD) hosts their annual Open House. The doors open, trucks are brought out, and everyone is invited to see just what makes the Walpole FD who they are and what they can do.

This year kids came out in droves, most in costumes from their parading around town. They got a good amount of candy, some adorable plastic fire helmets, and badges showing their fire department pride. They got to see the inside of real fire trucks and ambulances, bridging the connection between the lights and sirens they see going by with the vehicles themselves. There was a lot of laughter and excitement from the kids; after all, what kid doesn’t dream of being a firefighter?

But this event isn’t just for the kids. The fire department looks forward to it as a chance to reach out to the community. The community has a chance to come out and learn, to educate themselves on the capacity and the capabilities of the fire department. Events like this enable people to ask questions, learn how to make their homes and families safer.

It is especially important during fire safety month to remind people to check over the things in their homes. This year the focus was on smoke detectors, specifically the lithium batteries inside them. A lot of detectors had them put in 10 years ago with the promise of not having to change them as frequently, but it is time to change them again to ensure your smoke detectors work properly.

These open houses are a great way to show more that Walpole has to offer, like the Community Emergency Response Team. They are a government funded agency made up of volunteers that specialize in disasters, natural or manmade. The goal is to supplement the fire department in case of emergencies. CERT goes to events like this to educate people on what to do in case of emergencies. They share the supplies to have on hand, basic medical training, and what they can do if something bad does happen. These things can make families feel safer and more prepared if an emergency happens. They are essential to have around.

If you missed this year, are curious about fire safety, or just really want to see a fire truck, be sure to mark the next open house on your calendar to pay a visit to your local FD.