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City Fire Department Open House Oct. 4

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - The Temple Terrace Fire Department's Fire Prevention Open House is the agency's biggest educational event of the year, says Chief Keith Chapman.

The Oct. 4 open house - held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5 through 11 - focuses on teaching children about fire safety.

"It's a serious subject, but we get our point across by doing lots of fun stuff," Chapman said.

Children will get a hands-on lesson in the use of a fire hose, and they'll be instructed how to crawl on their bellies to escape a smoke-filled room.

Around noon, youngsters can watch as firefighters act to save a burning vehicle. Throughout the day, they will be greeted by Smokey Bear and treated to puppet shows, clown stunts and other entertainment.

Parents will have the opportunity to take photos of their children aboard a firetruck, as well as purchase hot dogs, sodas and chips.

The Temple Terrace Police Department, Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Florida Division of Forestry also will be on hand.

The attendance in recent years has significantly increased because of the Temple Terrace Reads youth literacy festival held in conjunction with the open house at the neighboring Temple Terrace Elementary School.

A project of the Temple Terrace School Support Committee, the annual festival is meant to promote literacy at an early age.

"Mayor Joe Affronti wanted to showcase the wonderful schools in the greater Temple Terrace community and it's excellent for the city of Temple Terrace," said Mary Frances Ledo, Temple Terrace Elementary School principal.

Temple Terrace Reads includes a book exchange hosted by the Temple Terrace Junior Woman's Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"The book exchange is a wonderful project, which encourages reading and conservation by recycling books," said club member Anita Long. "The beauty of it is in the eyes of the children receiving their books. They are so excited and can't wait to start reading something that is new to them."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Temple Terrace Fire Department's Fire Prevention Open House and Temple Terrace Reads

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Temple Terrace Fire Station 1, 124 Bullard Parkway, and Temple Terrace Elementary School, 124 Flotto Ave.

HOW MUCH: Free

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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