Fire Department Open House event is Sunday, Oct. 14

The White Lake Township Fire Department will be hosting its annual Open House on Sunday, Oct. 14 at its fire station located at 7420 Highland Road.

The event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., is open to families and children. Those attending will be able to meet firefighters; see fire apparatus and equipment; witness vehicle extrication demonstrations; spray water from fire hoses; participate in a simulated bandage and first aid station; receive blood pressure screenings; see how water is supplied in areas without fire hydrants; as well as other activities.

Hot dogs, popcorn and baked goods will be offered for sale.

Firefighters this year have visited a variety of schools in White Lake, where they presented students with safety tips and instructions. The Open House event follows fire safety assemblies where students in kindergarten through third-grade are taught the importance of knowing how to respond to fire emergencies.

Of particular importance to youngsters and families is knowing how to respond in the middle of the night to a smoke detector going off, which includes going directly to a predetermined meeting place outside of their residence, the department said in a news release.

The White Lake Fire Department was founded in 1948 as an all-volunteer department that evolved into a combination of a career/paid-on-call department. It currently has about 16 full-time/career firefighters, including the fire chief, as well as 30 paid-on-call firefighters and one clerical person.

The department covers the 36 square miles of White Lake Township 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by career personnel split between three shifts. Paid-on-call firefighters support career staff and respond to emergencies from their homes any time of the day or night.