Our Department is beginning to plan for our Grand Opening Open House and I would like to know what kinds of activities other departments have had at their open houses. I really want to incorporate a lot of fire and safety information for the public but I want to make it fun so that when people think about how much fun they had, they will remember what they learned while having a good time.
Try giving all the civilians a ticket for a raffle and raffle off some small things like smoke detectors, co detectors, small extinguishers. Maybe a question and answer session where the chief or some officers can speak with the taxpayers.
Great time to "show off" a bit...Show the public what your capabilities are...Ball games are fun for all....Maybe (weather permitting) set up a waterball tournament...Dunking booths are fun (we made our own)...Set up a small fire pit and train people on the proper way to use extinguishers....Let them handle a hand-line....Bucket brigades gets people involved...and before you know it you have everyone laughing and smiling....PR is a great thing to work on....Stay safe...Keep the Faith.....Paul