Noah Johnson Daily Press Escanaba Public Safety Officers shows a student and a teacher a piece of equipment from the truck.

ESCANABA –  The Escanaba Public Safety Department spent the month of October informing the community and school children about fire safety during Fire Awareness and Prevention Month.

The department visited multiple schools throughout the month, capping it off with a visit to Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (DSISD) Learning Center in Escanaba.

“Today, it’s more of a public relations event. (We) come out and show the kids the fire trucks, and the police car, and the canine officer,” said Escanaba Public Safety Officer Ryan Peterson.

Classes came out in groups and got to talk with Peterson and Officer Aaron Young about the equipment and how it works.

“They have a blast. Everybody, all these kids, get excited when they see the truck and the dog. They really have a good time, and it means a lot. I just like to see the smiles on their faces more than anything,” Peterson said.

The students lit up when they saw the truck and Young and Peterson, some even running up to the two for a hug.

Young showed the students different equipment on the truck, such as the water pump, the large fan used to help put out fires, and more.

Peterson explained the different levers on the truck and walked them around the vehicle.

Young also brought the newest member of Escanaba Public Safety, K-9 Enzo. Enzo and Young demonstrated some basic commands, before allowing the students to pet him.

Code enforcement is providing free smoke alarms as part of Fire Awareness Month. Fire and Rental Inspector Jude VanDamme said they will continue to give them out after October as long as supplies last.

“We have them available for the community, and we would like to see them in everybody’s home,” he said.

“It’s an inexpensive device that can save lives.”

Contact code enforcement at 906-786-6121 to set up an appointment for a smoke alarm while supplies last.

Public safety pointed to SafeHome.org for tips for fire safety.

According to the website, common causes of residential fires are clothing dryers, smoking, flammable liquids, portable space heaters, cooking, fireplaces and more.

The good news is that there are prevention measures, such as installing a smoke detector.

Residents are encouraged to install detectors throughout the home, in each sleeping area, and outside of each sleeping area. The detectors should be tested once a month to ensure they work. The batteries should be replaced once a year, and the detector should be replaced every 10 years.

SafeHome also recommends installing fire extinguishers, teaching kids about fire danger, creating an escape plan, and crafting a family or household communications plan.

The entire guide can be found at www.safehome.org/resources/fire-prevention-guide.