Malden’s 6th Annual Public Safety Day a Great Success

Special to The Advocate

Many people turned out recently for the Prevention Week event hosted by the Malden Fire and Police Departments. Families enjoyed fun and interactive ways to learn about staying safe. There were bouncy houses and “touch a truck” events where children climbed on fire engines and ladders, police cars, an ambulance and DPW trucks. Free pizza, hot dogs, slush and pumpkins were handed out. Many children participated in raffles – five iPads were awarded.

Many City of Malden departments, including the Board of Health, Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Cemetery Department, Teen Enrichment Center and Recreation Department, hosted tables providing information and fun goody bags. Also in attendance were the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and Massachusetts State Police. The event was sponsored by Malden Housing Authority, Cataldo Ambulance, Malden DPW, Piantedosi Baking Co., Stop & Shop, Anthony’s of Malden, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica, Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora and Malden Girl Scouts.

The Fire Department also hosted their annual Smoke Detector Installation Program during Fire Prevention Week, where they installed 60+ smoke and carbon detectors for Seniors 65 and older.

Fire Prevention Week is observed every October in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire that began on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, along with destroying more than 17,400 structures across 2,000 acres. In 1911, 40 years after the fire, the Fire Marshals Association determined that the anniversary of this fire should be observed annually to generate awareness about fire prevention.