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WARREN -- October is National Fire Prevention Month, and Warren Fire Captain Jim Gillen gave a fire safety presentation Saturday at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library.
Gillen began his talk by displaying a fire extinguisher and discussing where to place it in your home for easy access.
"The most important thing is to know where the fire extinguisher is and be able to get to it," Gillen said and then he elaborated that he has four of them in his house.
Although he hopes to avoid a fire emergency if possible, Gillen is very proud of the Warren Fire Department's response times.
"If there was an emergency here, we would have five fire trucks in less than two minutes because we are right downtown," Gillen said.
His talk was a participatory event. Children, parents and grandparents eagerly shouted their answers to such questions as "If there is a fire in your house, should you go look for your pet and grab them or get outside to safety?" Gillen said the correct answer was get outside to safety and only grab your pet if you find them on the way to the exit. He also answered fire safety questions from the audience.
He discussed the many things in your home that could catch on fire, including food left on the stove or a space heater that is left unattended and gets too hot or falls on wood floors.
Questions from attendees included such things as how do you know if an electrical appliance should be plugged directly into the electrical socket or if you can put it into a surge protector.
Gillen responded that, "Such things as refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, toaster ovens, air compressors, saws should always be plugged directly into the wall and not into a surge protector. Extension cords are temporary use only."
Since the holiday season is fast approaching, Gillen made everyone aware of potential fire hazards during the most joyous time of the year.
"Some people use candles for holiday decorations. Always keep them 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Never leave the room with the candle burning. It could fall and start a fire," Gillen said.
He also mentioned that people use straw for their fall decorations, which also is a potential fire hazard.
With Christmas, there is the consideration of a live tree inside your house with flammable decorations on it.
"Always make sure your live tree has plenty of water and do not burn your live tree to get rid of it after Christmas," he said, noting that fir trees go up in flames really quickly.
The fire captain wanted to let the children and adults experience what it is like to be dressed as a fireman in protective gear. He brought out his own uniform for them to try on the boots, jacket, helmet, and head and ear protecting hood. The uniform weighs at least 45 pounds and when they carry a breathing cylinder on their back, it adds an additional 20 pounds.
He wanted the children to feel comfortable around him and if they see another fireman.
"It is scary to lose your toys and your house but if you see a fireman, don't run away. He is there to help you. The most important thing is the safety of you and your family," he said.
Gillen also admitted that it is scary for a fireman to enter a house when it is ablaze.
"We'd rather not come to your house because of an emergency. We'd rather meet you here and say hello."