The Norwich Fire Department will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, October 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. as part of Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Smoke Detectors: Make Them Work For You." (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The Norwich Fire Department (NFD), located at 31 East Main Street in Norwich, will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, October 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. as part of Fire Prevention Week. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is "Smoke Detectors: Make Them Work For You."

The all-ages event will feature several displays and live demonstrations, including the showing of firefighting apparatus and equipment, the proper use of a fire extinguisher, a display from the 911 center, an auto extrication, and the spraying of a hose line.

"This one is usually a big hit with the kids because we have a little house that’s got some swinging doors, or swinging doors on the windows, and they can squirt water and open the doors. The kids usually really like that," said NFD Chief Jan Papelino.

In addition to giving the public a chance to see and learn more about the NFD, the open house is also a chance for area residents to learn about fire prevention and safety in their own homes.

Papelino said the first line of defense against fires is smoke detectors, which should be placed on every floor of the home, including in every bedroom and each common area outside of bedrooms. For example, a three-bedroom home should have around seven or eight smoke detectors in total.