Open house to kick off Fire Prevention Week in Alpena Township
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ALPENA TOWNSHIP -- Families in Alpena Township will get a close look at fire trucks, charging hazards, and the habits that keep a house from becoming a 911 call when the township Fire Department hosts its annual Fire Prevention Open House on Oct. 3.
The event comes on the eve of Fire Prevention Week, observed nationwide Oct. 4-10. This year's campaign theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower," a National Fire Protection Association focus on lithium-ion batteries in phones, tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters.
Fire Chief Tim Baker said last year's open house drew a modest but engaged crowd, and he wants more households to treat this year's visit as more than a Saturday outing.
"Last year's Fire Department Open House welcomed roughly 80 visitors, and we're hoping to build on that momentum. A successful turnout this year would be anything that brings more families in the door," Baker said. "Success means people leaving with practical fire-safety knowledge they'll actually use at home."
The department routinely invites residents in for education as well as emergency response. Baker said Saturday's program is built so children and adults leave with something they can do that night.
"When families arrive, they can expect a full walk-through of the station, including apparatus tours, demonstrations, and multiple hands-on learning areas," he said. "Kids will have opportunities to explore age-friendly activities, try equipment displays, and meet the firefighters. The event is designed to be informative, interactive, and enjoyable for all ages."
Battery safety will not be a side table. Baker said the national theme will shape what visitors see first.
"Because Fire Prevention Week 2026 focuses on lithium-ion battery safety - 'Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower' - that theme will be front and center at the open house," he said. "Families will see charging safety demonstrations, examples of safe and unsafe battery setups, and easy-to-follow tips."
Those demonstrations are aimed at habits Baker said crews already see in local homes.
"We frequently see local issues such as overloading outlets, using damaged chargers, charging in cluttered areas, and leaving devices on chargers overnight - all of which we'll address directly," he said.
The open house will also return to the causes that still drive most preventable residential fires, even as battery incidents draw more attention.
"Beyond batteries, firefighters will highlight other essential fire-safety topics: installing and maintaining smoke alarms, planning and practicing home escape routes, staying safe while cooking, and properly using space heaters," Baker said. "These remain the leading causes of preventable home fires, and simple reminders can make a major difference."
Township firefighters have expanded that prevention work beyond a single Saturday. Earlier this year the department assigned firefighters to community fire prevention, education and community risk reduction, including school visits, workshops and public demonstrations. Baker said Saturday is also a chance for residents to ask for help after they leave the bay floor.
"Visitors will also be able to sign up for a home safety visit or request a presentation for schools or community groups," he said. "We're committed to helping families make their homes safer and supporting teachers and community partners with accurate, engaging safety information."
If he could send every family home with one assignment, Baker said it would not be a souvenir helmet or a photo in the cab. It would be a test of the devices already on the wall.
"If families take away one single action after the open house, we recommend they check their smoke alarms - making sure they're installed in the right places and that every device works," he said. "Working smoke alarms remain the strongest life-saving tool in any home."
That message matches an existing township program. Residents who need smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms can call a fire station and schedule a free installation by crew members.
Baker said the department is also widening who it works with for Fire Prevention Week, while keeping a familiar partner close.
"As far as partnering with other agencies, we are broadening our vision and have been reaching out to local businesses and community organizations," he said. "We always work well with the Thunder Bay Area Firefighters Association. To find out what other exciting partnerships we are hoping to secure, community members will have to stop by and find out."
Residents who cannot make Oct. 3 will not be left without the same material, Baker said.
"For residents who can't attend, we will share the same information through our website, social media, and printed materials available at the station," he said. "Families can also request a home visit or attend one of our upcoming community presentations to get the full Fire Prevention Week message."