The Lake Zurich Fire and Rescue Department was clever to hide important safety messages in fun activities for children at its open house Sunday. 

The event was the kick-off to National Fire Prevention Week, where fire officials in Lake Zurich and across the country are working to increase awareness and education about fire safety to prevent loss of life and injury.

A large number of families gathered at Fire Station #1 on the sunny but chilly afternoon, as children were treated to visits by Sparky the Dog and were able to participate in a battery of drills to reinforce safety and test knowledge in an upbeat and fun atmosphere.

In one area, kids sat at a phone and dialed 911.  A dispatcher answered, and asked what their address and phone number was.   

A number of children didn't know answers to the questions. "This is a great way to remind parents their children need to be given this information so they are able to get help in an emergency if needed," said Fire Chief Terry Mastandrea.

A tunnel filled with theatrical smoke that kids were required to crawl through and a stop, drop and roll mat were two other stops that were guided by instructors on proper procedures in case of a fire.

A safety trailer parked in the back of the station provided an education area in the front end, where a fireman discussed kitchen fire safety.  Then, theatrical smoke filled up the back of the trailer and children were instructed to crawl to the exit to be lifted out by a burly firefighter.

Children were also given the opportunity to slide down a pole with the assistance of firefighters and spray a fire hose at a target to try and knock it down with the force of water.

When the safety drills were completed, each child received snap bracelets of different colors to show they had 'passed' the drills. 

Information and education was also available for parents who attended the open house. Among them were demonstrations of what tactical rescue does when victims are trapped above or below ground, procedures for water rescue and Haz Mat teams, fire investigations and CPR instruction.

The Lake Zurich Rotary Club was at the event displaying Emergency Beacon lights bulbs donated by them; the bulbs are available free to residents who have special medical needs. 

Rich Politowicz, past president of the Rotary Club, said they want more people to take advantage of the beacons.

"Right now, only 12 families have utilized the 'home beacons' and there are many more we can donate."  The bulb is meant to be placed in a light visible to the outside, and when it is activated it begins to flash, so emergency personnel can more easily locate the home when responding to a 911 call.

Representatives from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were also on hand to increase awareness and garner new membership.

"We are made up entirely of volunteers, and we are part of the community emergency response system.  If police or fire departments in Lake Zurich, Long Grove, Kildeer or Hawthorn Woods need us, we are extensively trained to assist them," said member Doug Ahlgrim.    

If you are interested in joining CERT or if you would like to receive an emergency beacon bulb, call Lake Zurich Fire Rescue at 847-540-5070.

National Fire Prevention Week runs through October 9, and its theme this year is "Smoke alarms, a sound you can live with!"