“FIRE STOPS WITH YOU”
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
Marion Fire Department
3933 Katz Drive
Marion, IA 52302
(319) 377-8237

The goal of Fire Prevention is to reduce property damage caused by fire and eliminate fire casualties by examining the fire and safety needs of citizens, by delivering educational materials and programs to the public.

Curious Kids Set Fires

The Marion Fire Department has a mission to protect life and property for our citizens, and we do so by fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and fire prevention activities.  The most effective way to protect our community is by “preventing” accidents and tragic events from occurring in the first place.  If we can prevent it, then there is absolutely zero loss in property, zero injuries, and zero loss of life.  Public Education is our effort in trying to prevent the “bad” from happening to you.

Our children are precious to us and what we want above all else to protect.  But, we can’t always be there for them every minute of everyday, so we must find someone who can be with them that will do their best to take care of our children.  That is why the Super Sitter program has been offered to our community by our fire department.  We wanted to be sure that those that care for our kids are proactive in preventing accidents, are equipped with the necessary skills of childcare for all ages, are aware of the serious responsibility placed upon them, and can be responsible enough to remain calm and confident in this most challenging task. 

Fire extinguishers can be very useful is putting out small fires as long as they are used properly. When buying a fire extinguisher, there are a few things to think about.

First, select the type of extinguishing agent for the type of fire that you are most likely to have. Fire fuels have been divided into 4 groups:

	Class A – ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cardboard, etc)
	Class B – flammable liquids (cooking grease, gasoline, kerosene, etc)
	Class C – fires involving energized electrical equipment
	Class D – combustible metals

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide a low cost means of effectively monitoring the atmosphere within your home for early signs of trouble.

Smoke detectors can be battery operated, powered by household current, or powered by household current with a battery backup.  Detectors that have flashing lights are also available for those with hearing impairment.  They sense very small amounts of particulate matter in the air.  Household fires that smolder usually produce minor amounts smoke long before the fire breaks out.  A smoke detector’s alert will probably allow the occupants to exit the structure safely before the smoke levels become life-threatening.  Here are a few pointers when mounting and maintaining smoke detectors:

Marion Fire Department will occasionally be asked to attend a neighborhood gathering or business picnic to provide safety discussions and to display a truck.  To arrange a visit from the Fire Department, call the Marion Fire Department at 377-8237 or e-mail the Fire Department secretary at swilliams@firedept.ci.marion.ia.us and indicate your desire to set up an appointment.  The following information is helpful:

• Date and time of the visit
• A contact person name and phone number

Many groups tour the fire stations each year.  To arrange a tour of the fire station, call the Marion Fire Department at 377-8237 or e-mail the Fire Department secretary at swilliams@firedept.ci.marion.ia.us and indicate your desire to set up a tour.  The following information is helpful:

• Date and time of the tour
• Number of children and/or adults expected
• A contact person name and phone number

The tours usually last from 10-30 minutes, depending upon the age and attention span of the tour members.  Tour members will be shown the station, apparatus, living quarters.  A brief fire safety discussion is also included.  Department personnel are happy to address any specific question or need that the specific group may have.   Children will usually be given coloring sheets at the conclusion of the tour.  Other safety brochures and information sheets are also available.

The Marion Fire Department will, upon request, provide safety instruction for care center staff regarding fire safety education, evacuation training, and fire drill evaluation.

Care center administrators desiring further information should contact the Marion Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 377-8237.

The Marion Fire Department strongly believes in fire prevention education.  In the schools, the Department targets the first and third grades for fire safety education each year.  During fire prevention week, engine companies visit all participating elementary schools in the Marion area to talk with first graders about fire safety and show them the fire truck.

Third graders have an opportunity to participate in a fire prevention poster contest.  Third graders from all participating schools in the City of Marion draw posters relating to fire prevention.  Winners are determined by teachers and Marion Fire Department representatives.  First, second, and third place winners receive trophies.