National Fire Prevention Week poster contest underway

The Midland Fire Department is gearing up for this year's National Fire Prevention Week with the theme "Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years" from Oct. 9-15.

Firefighters will be present at Midland Park Mall from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 13-15 and in schools throughout the week to hand out informational materials and urge Midlanders to check their smoke detectors.

The department is also encouraging kids in to turn in submissions reflecting this year's theme at the Central Fire Station (1500 W. Wall St.) no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. The posters will be judged on Monday, Oct. 10, and prizes will be awarded at the Central Fire Station at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

The contest is open to all students from Kindergarten through 12th grade who are enrolled in any school, and the awards for the contest will be divided into four divisions:

Primary Division: Kindergarten - 2nd graders
Intermediate Division: 3rd - 5th gradersJunior High Division: 6th - 8th graders
High School Division: 9th - 12th graders

The top three prize-winners in each division will be awarded cash prizes ranging from $50-$100.

Posters must be exactly 14 by 22 inches and include the name and grade of the student, and the name of the student's teacher and school on the back of the poster in the lower right hand corner. No objects more than a half inch in thickness or height may be placed on posters, and posters with live matches or real glass will not be accepted.

This year's Fire Prevention Week will last from Oct. 4-10. The theme "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep" encourages families to have a working smoke alarm in each bedroom and on each floor. Working smoke alarms can double chances of survival in a fire, and MFD recommends having a fire escape plan for your family. Replacing batteries in alarms twice per year and keep alarms free of dust helps prevent a malfunction when the alarms are needed most.

For more information, call the Fire Marshal's Office at 432-685-7333 or view more information and instructions on the City's website at www.midlandtexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2098.