By Beth David, Editor
The Millicent Library held its annual Fire Safety Day on a scorching hot Monday, 7/17/23, on the lawn of the Unitarian Church.
Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha spoke to about 30 people who showed up in the 80+ degree weather, explaining what they should do in a fire.
“Get out and stay out,” said Ms. Rocha, explaining that only people who are trained should fight a fire.
To get out of the smoke, “Stay low and go,” she said, explaining that smoke rises, so they should keep low to the floor to escape.
And, of course, call 911, and be sure to know your address.
Ms. Rocha also showed the crowd how firefighters suit up, in a very heavy, very hot jacket and pants, hood, air pack, helmet and gloves.
The whole set up is about 50 pounds, which sounds bad, but, she said : “That’s why you train for it.”
She suited up to show children what a firefighter would look like entering a house to save them.
She also demonstrated how the pack sounds an alarm if she does not move for 20 seconds, getting louder and louder to alert her fellow firefighters that she stopped moving.
“That means I’m in trouble and I need help,” she said. “And the other firefighters will go to help me.”
There are a lot of safety features, she said, and firefighters train constantly to be able to use the equipment properly.
She also let the children lift her coat to see how heavy it was.
When the education part was over, she had one question: “Should we read a book or spray water?”
“Spray water!” came the resounding answer.
Children then took turns aiming the fire hose at a target, and Ms. Rocha sprayed the water on the lawn while children ran underneath, until all 750 gallons were used up.
Children and their adults were also treated to some freebies, like coloring books and plastic firefighter hats, and Del’s Lemonade from Dorothy Cox.
To learn more about the Millicent Library’s programs, visit https://millicentlibrary.org
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- Violet Poute aims the fire hose, under the watchful eye of Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha, during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on the lawn of the Unitarian Church on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha is all suited up as she goes down the line of spectators so they can see what a firefighter would look like entering a home on fire, during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha makes it rain on the lawn of the Unitarian Church on a very hot Monday during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- Sophia Poute kills some time playing in the rain puddle and watching her reflection before the start of the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- A young’un gets a little bit sprayed while taking a turn at the fire hose under the watchful eye of Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha, during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on the lawn of the Unitarian Church on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- Jayson looks absolutely delighted as he aims the fire hose, under the watchful eye of Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha, during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on the lawn of the Unitarian Church on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha lets a young girl learn first hand how heavy a firefighter’s coat is during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Carter watches while young Theo takes a hand at the fire hose under the watchful eye of Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on the lawn of the Unitarian Church on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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- Cara Viveiros takes a try at aiming the fire hose under the watchful eye of Fairhaven Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha, during the Millicent Library’s annual Fire Safety Day on the lawn of the Unitarian Church on 7/17/23. Photo by Beth David.
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Click here to download the 7/20/23 issue:07-20-23 FireSafety
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