Durham, Cary plan fire prevention events

This week is National Fire Prevention Week and we have at least two free events in the Triangle to mark the occasion.

The Durham Fire Department will offer special activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, at Northgate Mall, 1058 W. Club Blvd. The department will focus on the National Fire Protection Association's theme of knowing "Two Ways Out." Firefighters will stage a roof top rescue and offer other information at the special event.

It includes fire safety activity stations throughout the mall to help families develop home escape maps and more. There's a meet-and-greet with firefighters and a fire truck display from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Roof top demonstrations are at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

And, on Saturday, the Cary Fire Department, along with the town's police and inspections and permits departments, Cary EMS, Cary CERT and the local chapter of the Red Cross will meet at Bond Metro Park to focus on protecting families from fire. It's from 10 a.m. to 4 p.,m., Saturday, at the park at 801 High House Rd.

The event includes opportunities for the public to explore emergency vehicles and equipment and learn life-saving tips in the event of an emergency. Kids can participate in a safety obstacle course, including a "Stop, Drop & Roll" station, smoke simulation, hose carry, dummy drag and more. All participants will get a T-shirt and winners in each age group will get trophies.

“This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of having a home fire escape plan in the event of a fire because the reality is, when a fire strikes, it only takes seconds for a home to be engulfed in smoke and flames,” said Kathy Ellis, Fire Education Specialist, in a press release.

Click here for more information about the Cary event.