The Park Forest Fire Department is preparing a full slate of activities in October to celebrate Fire Prevention Month. These activities include a poster contest for young artists, an open house, and a community-wide smoke alarm installation program.
Fire Prevention Week will be observed from Oct. 5 to 11, during which the department invites local youth to participate in its annual poster contest. This year's theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Fire department staff will judge the posters, and the winners will be announced during the Fire Prevention Week Open House on Oct. 10. The grand prize winner will receive a new bicycle, enjoy breakfast with firefighters, and get a ride to school on a fire truck. Winning posters will also be showcased on the department’s social media pages.
The open house is scheduled for Oct. 10 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Park Forest Fire Department, located at 156 Indianwood Blvd. Activities from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. will include demonstrations with the department’s safety trailer, station tours, giveaways, hayrides, and opportunities to explore fire trucks. Several community partners will also participate, including the Park Forest Police Department, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, the Park Forest Library, the South Suburban Humane Society, and the Village’s Recreation, Parks, Health, and Sustainability offices. The evening will conclude with a campfire, s’mores, popcorn, and a movie.
Later in the month, the department will take part in the statewide “Be Alarmed!” smoke alarm installation program in partnership with the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and the nonprofit Camp I Am Me. From Oct. 20-26, firefighters will install 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms in Park Forest homes at no cost.
Deputy Chief Taylor Bordewyk stated that the program aims to protect residents and raise awareness about home fire safety.
“Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning devices available,” Bordewyk said. “By simply having a working smoke alarm in your home, you can reduce your risk of fire-related fatalities by half.” The department will also provide education on home fire escape planning during the installations.
Residents interested in the poster contest, open house, or smoke alarm program may contact the Park Forest Fire Department at 708-481-4549 for more information.