VERSAILLES – The Versailles FFA is proud to invite all Versailles and surrounding area residents to Igniting Awareness, a free community safety event aimed at promoting fire prevention, preparedness, and public safety awareness. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Versailles Fire Station, 320 Baker Road, in Versailles.
The event starts at 6:00 p.m. with a complimentary dinner featuring hamburgers, sausage patties, hot dogs, chips, baked beans, soft serve ice cream, brownies, cookies, and drinks.
During the meal, attendees will have the chance to visit a variety of informational booths and speak with fire and safety professionals from organizations including the Versailles Fire Department, American Red Cross, Darke County Farm Bureau, OSU Extension, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Guests can come in time between 6:00 to 7:00 pm to receive the free meal.
At 7:00 pm, the program will start and include an educational program for adults and kids. The event will feature a special kids’ program, which includes hands-on activities such as an inflatable fire safety house, second-story bail-out ladder, spraying fire hoses, climbing on fire trucks, trying on firefighter gear, etc.
At 7:00 pm, adult Attendees will hear from three expert presenters. Andrea LeMaster, Fire, Life, and Safety Educator with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, will discuss fire extinguisher use and maintenance, as well as home escape planning and drills. Brian Pearson, Versailles Fire Chief, will address fire risks associated with home cleanliness and hoarding, provide Ohio fire statistics, and emphasize the importance of smoke detector placement and upkeep, especially in rural and agricultural buildings. Ken Johnson from the Darke County EPA will share information on fire policies and resources available to local residents.
As part of the event, free smoke detectors and fire extinguishers will be distributed to attendees. This event is being sponsored by a grant received by the Ohio FFA Association.
This community-focused program is designed for all ages and is a great opportunity to increase safety knowledge in a hands-on, engaging environment. RSVPs are requested by September 24. Please RSVP using the Google form: https://forms.gle/ieChzf6MjN7Znpto7
Don’t miss this chance to connect with your local safety professionals and learn valuable tips that could save lives.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact the Versailles FFA by emailing Dena Wuebker at dena.wuebker@vtigers.org or call/text at 937-423-2369 or Taylor Bergman at taylor.bergman@vtigers.org or text/call at 937-621-9136.
