Fire departments hold Fire Safety Expo

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Fire Department and New Hanover County Fire Rescue have teamed up for a Fire Safety Expo at Independence Mall.

The event is taking place at Independence Mall from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday night.

There are activities for families and children. Kids can practice crawling low to avoid smoke, put on the firefighter gear, have a firefighter autograph a free children’s book, and see some firefighters sing and dance.

Information about fire safety is also available.

Wilmington Fire Risk Reduction Coordinator Wendy Giannini-King said it’s important to make a home escape plan and have working smoke alarms.

“The one misconception I want to make sure everyone is aware of tonight that has to do with smoke alarms is that they last for 10 years,” Giannini-King said. “Generally manufacturers give a 10 year date to smoke alarms, so if your alarms are older than 10 years old it’s time to think about replacing them.”

This year the annual event has included information about child passenger safety. There are permanent checking stations for child passenger safety seats at fire stations in Wilmington and New Hanover County.

If you have other questions about fire safety, Giannini-King said Sparky.org is a great online resource for kids.

You can also contact your local fire station for tours and educational outreach.

For more information about the Wilmington Fire Department, click here.

For more information about the New Hanover County Fire Rescue, click here.