GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN —In commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began Oct. 8, 1871, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You! strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Garmisch Fire Chief, Wolfgang Pauls-Polch conducted a fire drill at Garmisch Elementary and Middle School the morning of Oct. 8. Students and teachers gathered in the designated area next to the school building after the alarm went off and everyone evacuated the building.
Together with the Fire Chief, students practiced how to hold a charged firehose and felt the powerful resistance as the water coursed through it.
Following the demonstration, kindergarten, first and second grade students were met by Freiwillige Feuerwehr (volunteer fire department) Garmisch firefighter “Benni.”
Together they enjoyed a ride in the firetruck through the housing area complete with sirens and flashing blue lights. Since the Garmisch community doesn’t have its own fire department, the German-American cooperation with the Garmisch-Partenkirchen department is critical. Pauls-Polch has maintained a close working relationship since he joined the Garmisch team in 2005.
“We receive great support from the host nation fire departments, from both Garmisch and Partenkirchen, whenever the need arises," said Pauls-Polch. "We are very lucky to have such great relationships with all emergency responders in the greater Garmisch area.”
Throughout the year, Pauls-Polch requests support from the Garmisch Feuerwehr not only for emergencies, but also for help with community events, such as the annual tree lighting ceremony when Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive via firetruck.
Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.
Pauls-Polch also offered fire warden and fire extinguisher classes throughout Fire Prevention Week. Fire drills were also conducted at the local Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities to ensure children, youth and staff are aware of procedures in case of a real emergency.
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy.
During his presentations, Pauls-Polch emphasized “to review your fire safety plans within your home and family more often than just during Fire Prevention Week, every October.”
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