Families filed into the Windsor Locks Fire Department on Saturday , Oct . 18 for the department’s annual Open House and celebration of National Fire Prevention Month .

Children had the chance to climb onto and explore fire trucks , watch videos about fire safety , take home coloring books and talk to firefighters during the four-hour event .

Lieutenant John Kupernik was in charge of this year’sopen house and was happy about getting the chance to talk to families about fire safety . He said this year’stheme was “ preventing home fires , ” so there was a lot of information provided about cooking safety , not leaving candles unattended and heater safety .

“ Not only does [ the open house ] provide education for children , but also for parents and caregivers , ” Lt . Kupernik said . “ We hope the children especially will pick something up , and it will stick with them . ”

Four-year-old Shannon had certainly been picking up some information . She knew to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency and to stop , drop and roll if her clothes catch on fire .

Shannon came to the event with her mom , Kristie , who said Shannon had been learning about fire safety at school . “ I just thought this would help reinforce what she’s been learning , ” she said . “ And I want her to get used to seeing firefighters just in case there ever is an emergency . ”

Jackie Dakin came to the open house with her husband and two daughters , 5-year-old Veta and 3-year old Keira . “ We live around the corner , and they’re interested in what goes on here , ” she said . Veta definitely had an idea of what she wanted to check out – the fire trucks , she said .

Holly McSweegan’s three boys were having a great time climbing on the fire trucks . “ They enjoy coming here and looking at the fire trucks , ” she said . “ And I think it teaches them about fire safety , too . ”