Fire prevention at heart of statewide poster contest

Carson City students are in the running to win an annual statewide poster contest that centers on fire prevention.

The Carson City Fire Department is participating in the Nevada 2018 Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest.

In conjunction with the Nevada State Fire Marshal, fire departments statewide, and the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada, the Carson City Fire Department-Fire Prevention Division is preparing for the weeklong campaign promoting fire safety education and awareness.

This year, Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 7-13, with the theme being “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware — fire can happen anywhere.”

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, participating agencies will collect posters from corresponding school districts to select winning posters for display on billboards in Elko, Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Las Vegas. Contestants include elementary level, grades fifth and sixth, middle school and high school students.

Posters must represent the Fire Prevention Week theme. Staff from the Fire Prevention Division along with administrative staff selected the top entry to be sent to the State Fire Marshal where the final selection process will take place. Last year’s winners were from Carson City, Reno and Pahrump.

Even with the cooling temperatures, wildland fire is still a potential threat in Carson City with the consistent dry weather trend.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about fire safety at www.nfpa.org and plan ahead, seek potential household fire hazards, make an escape plan and regularly practice it with family.

Fire Marshal Dave Ruben reminds residents to have an escape plan and have an outside meeting place identified where they can meet if a smoke alarm activates.

Mayor Bob Crowell will deliver a proclamation honoring October as Fire Prevention Month at the Board of Supervisors meeting Oct. 4.

During October, community members are invited to visit Carson City Fire Department Station 51, 777 S. Stewart St.

Residents and visitors can tour the fire museum at no cost, learn about available fire prevention programs and meet personnel.

Station 51 is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except on holidays.

For information about the Carson City Fire Department, go to carsonfire.org.