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The Kiwanis, who originally supplied the funding to purchase the camper more than 20 years ago, recently provided additional money so the trailer could get a new, modern look, said the Norwalk Fire Department.
The trailer will be showcased for the first time outside of the Norwalk Public Schools STEM Expo on Saturday, March 16 at Brien McMahon High School.
The Fire Safety House that was once a plain white trailer with sparse lettering is now wrapped in flames with bold graphics. The cartoon characters displayed on the trailer were selected purposely to reflect the diversity of the students in Norwalk, the department said.
The new wrapping cost approximately $5,000 with the funding entirely supplied by the Kiwanis Club of Norwalk.
“Providing information on fire safety is important and providing a place where you can learn and practice these skills is vital to saving lives,” said Marie Sacco, president of the Kiwanis Club of Norwalk. “Kiwanis is a dedicated organization of volunteers working in our communities to improve the lives of children. The Fire Safety House is one way we have worked with the Norwalk Fire Department toward making a difference in Norwalk.”
The interior of the Fire Safety House, which was recently renovated by Fire Department staff, includes items found in most homes – kitchen appliances, lockable doors, and electrical outlets – and can simulate heat and produce smoke. Those who move through the trailer can feel a door and doorknob to check for heat and crawl underneath a haze of nontoxic, water-based fog to look for a safe escape.
“We used to have to explain fire safety and training through examples, but with the trailer, we can let the public experience it firsthand,” said Norwalk Fire Marshal Broderick Sawyer. “It’s a great teaching tool that will allow the Norwalk Fire Department to provide community-based education well into the future."
To request the use of the Fire Safety House, please call the Fire Marshal’s office at 203-854-0244 for more details.
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