The Gainesville Fire Department recently acquired a new tool to teach fire safety to the city’s youth.
The department's new “fire safety inflatable” simulates a residential home with three bedrooms, a kitchen and living room with a fireplace and a window. During the simulation, the “home” fills with smoke, prompting participants to apply their fire safety knowledge to “escape”.
“The purpose of the new addition is to make public education more accessible with a deeper impact in the realm of fire prevention education,” Gainesville Fire Chief Brandon Ellis said in a release.
Ellis referenced the growing education and healthcare systems within Gainesville as a contributing factor for needing the tool.
“When I approached city leadership with the desire to expand GFD's outreach, they didn’t hesitate to help us secure the resources we needed,” he said. “This addition will allow us to strengthen the educational experience for every demographic within Gainesville.”
Gainesville Fire Marshal Chad Payne expressed a desire to reach and educate as many businesses and households as possible.
“With our city growing, we want to meet that growth with effective educational opportunities to ensure the safety of the community,” Payne said.
Anyone interested in participating in the fire prevention education can contact GFD headquarters at 770-534-3612.
