Safety Festival Encourages Cary to "Have 2 Ways Out"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2012
Safety Festival Encourages Cary to "Have 2 Ways Out"
This year’s theme focuses on fire escape plans
CARY, NC – The Town of Cary will join communities across the country in celebrating National Fire Prevention Week by hosting a Safety Festival on October 13; this year’s theme is “Having 2 Ways Out.” In addition to the Cary Fire Department, the Town’s Police and Inspections & Permits Departments, Cary EMS, Cary CERT, and the local chapter of the Red Cross will unite at Fred G. Bond Metro Park for a day focused on protecting your family from fire. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., explore emergency vehicles and equipment as well as learn life-saving tips to use in the event of an emergency. Children can participate in a safety obstacle course complete with a “Stop, Drop & Roll” station, smoke simulation, hose carry, dummy drag along with being able to extinguish a miniature house fire. All participates will receive a t-shirt and winners in each age group will receive 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. Ellis added that the event will be held “sprinkle” or shine.
In addition to fire prevention and fire escape materials, Town staff will be onsite to answer any questions about the November 6 Community Investment Bond Referendum for a new fire station. The $6.45 million general obligation bond financing initiative would pay to construct a new fire station to replace the outdated and structurally compromised Fire Station #2, which was built in 1974 and has serious structural issues with its walls, floor, foundation and front ramp. Built to adequately house four firefighters, the station is extremely overcrowded with 12 firefighters.
The fire question is one of three separate Community Investment Bond questions sent to the voters by the Cary Town Council; the other financing questions are for transportation and parks projects. If voters approve all three initiatives for a total of $80 million in financing authority, the property tax rate in Cary will increase by two cents in 2013 and another two cents in 2015. Cary’s property tax rate has not increased since 1989 and at 33 cents is the lowest rate in Wake County.
National Fire Prevention Week runs October 7-13, and throughout the month of October the Town of Cary Fire Department will visit schools and attend community meetings to stress fire safety in homes and businesses. To schedule an appearance or to learn more about National Fire Prevention Week in Cary, search “Fire Prevention Week” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4056. For more fun in Cary, follow the Town on Twitter @TOC_Fun and check out the Meetings & Events Calendar at www.townofcary.org.
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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Kathy Ellis, Fire Education Specialist, (919) 469-4056
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 380-4240
RELATED LINKS:
Fire Prevention Week
