First responders give tips on handling emergencies

ALGONQUIN — Youngsters, wearing pink or black miniature fire fighters helmets,  learned important fire prevention and emergency situation advice from area first responders at an Algonquin Area Public Library (AAPL) program.

First responders at the session were from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District, Huntley Area Fire Protection District (HAFPD), Algonquin Police Department and Southeast Emergency Communications. The event for ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers, was the first of its kind at the library and coincided with Fire Prevention Month’s first week, on Oct. 4. Fire and police departments had vehicles present and which the youngsters viewed and had photos taken.

“Fire Prevention Month is held in October because that is when the Great Chicago Fire occurred,” Phil Adams, HAFPD’s public education officer, said. “This event is a great opportunity for us to talk about fire safety and show how agencies work together. We want families to get into the mindset of practicing their escape plans once a month. You should also be testing your smoke alarm batteries once a month.”

Adams also told the audience recommended steps include, in the event of a fire, to establish a meeting place to go to. “So we can account for everyone,” he said. “You should always have two exits. Saving lives is always more important than saving property.”

Library officials were pleased with the turnout.

“It was a great success, the goal was to share info with the community and show how these different districts and organizations work together more often than not,” AAPL Communications Director Doug Cataldo said. “The program opened with 25 available spots for kids ages 3-7 and their caregivers. It was expanded three times to just under 50. We had over 75 people, several drop-ins both inside for storytime and outside for the trucks and that doesn’t include the responders or library staff.”

In case of any emergency, “immediately get out, call 9-1-1, from a neighbor’s house, a cell phone or pay phone. If you can’t open your window, call for help and start waving something so someone will see you. Never hide when there is a fire. If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll,” according to information available at the event.