By David Eck
Enquirer contributor

SILVERTON - Safety takes the spotlight Saturday as firefighters in two Hamilton County communities kick off Fire Prevention Week with safety fairs.

IF YOU GO

The Deer Park-Silverton fire safety fair will be noon-4 p.m. at Chamberlain Park, 7640 Plainfield Road. The Springfield Township fire safety fair will be noon-4 p.m. at the Springfield Township fire station at 8375 Winton Road.

The Deer Park-Silverton Joint Fire District and the Springfield Township Fire Department are holding separate events from noon to 4 p.m. Both feature fire vehicle displays, demonstrations, goodies for the children and plenty of fire safety booklets. Firefighters will give visitors a hands-on experience with equipment.

Fire Prevention Week begins Sunday.

"We're trying to promote people to use smoke detectors and teach their children fire safety," Deer Park-Silverton Fire Capt. Ed Rauensaid. "A lot of people have never used a fire extinguisher in their life. We're going to let them use one.''

"It connects (residents) with the fire department," said Deer Park resident Marlene Ruark. "A lot of people don't realize what they do."

E-mail daveck@fuse.net