Norwalk Fire Department to unveil new design of its Fire Safety House at Norwalk Public Schools STEM Expo on March 16

(Norwalk, Conn.) – The Norwalk Fire Department’s Fire Safety House has a new look thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Norwalk. 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. The trailer will be showcased for the first time outside of the Norwalk Public Schools STEM Expo on March 16 at Brien McMahon High School.

“The Fire Safety House is one of the best community education tools I have seen in my years in public safety and elected office. Simulating a fire allows the public – especially young people and seniors – to gain experience and learn how to escape danger all while in a safe, controlled environment,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. “I am grateful to the Norwalk Kiwanis Club for once again supporting fire safety and education in our community. I am thankful for their continued partnership.”

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 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. The Fire Safety House is mobile, and can be set up virtually anywhere for public education. In the past, the Fire Safety House has been used at community events like the Oyster Festival and Department of Public Works Open House, as well as at schools and senior centers.

“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. I hope the public will join us this Saturday and at other events this year.”

To request the use of the Fire Safety House, please call the Fire Marshal’s office at (203) 854-0244 for more details.