Collins Library hosts National Night Out
 Fun Time - Children enjoy the bounce house at the National Night Out at Collins Public Library. (Photo by Katherine Knotts) |
 Getting Ready - Officer Jason Miller makes final preparations at the Gowanda Police information table. (Photo by Katherine Knotts) |
 Fire Hazards - The fireplace area in the smoke trailer, where children are asked to list all the dangers of fire they see here including a rug, blanket, wastebasket, magazines, and cord too close to the fireplace and the scarf over the light. (Photo by Katherine Knotts) |
News Correspondent
The Collins Public Library hosted National Night Out on Aug. 5 with the theme of joining forces to prevent crime and promote all-around safety issues.
New York State Trooper David Huller was fingerprinting and issuing child identity kits. Gowanda Police Officers Jason Miller and Jen Alessi handed out brochures, free gun locks and information on topics ranging from gun safety to senior safe-driving tips. Alessi, who is Gowanda’s school resource officer, played a game with the children, quizzing them on safety tips and rewarding them with a prize.
Members of Collins and Gowanda Fire and Rescue departments and Gowanda Ambulance were there to display and explain the vehicles and equipment carried on board.
Kathy Camp, aka Edith, was manning the smoke trailer. This unit is a dual-purpose piece of equipment that is used to demonstrate fire hazards in the home, and also as a command center for long-term incidents, such as the recent searches in Zoar Valley.
The trailer has kitchen, living room and bedroom areas where the children are asked to point out fire hazards, then to crawl and touch the bedroom door to check for heat, as if they were in a real fire situation. Upon entering the bedroom, non-toxic smoke is released and the children are assisted out an emergency exit.
Camp explained that the trailer is wired for additional equipment that would simulate severe thunder storms, tornadoes and earthquakes. She has been visiting local schools with the trailer for over three years.
Time for fun in the bounce house and a snack rounded out the evening for attendees.