Schuylkill County residents will have an opportunity to learn about public safety Monday and what they learn might save their lives.
The free event, to be held at the lower level of Martz Hall parking lot from 6 to 8 p.m., will feature a fire safety trailer where children can learn about what to do in case of a fire. They will also see other emergency apparatus, Sparky the robotic dog and kits for identification for children. Food and refreshments will be provided.
A rain date is scheduled for Tuesday.
"It's going to be realistic," Pottsville fire Chief Todd March said Thursday about the trailer, which is owned by Deer Lake and West Brunswick Fire Company No. 1.
Non-toxic fog will simulate smoke in a structure and a member of the city fire department will talk to children as they sit inside.
They will have the chance to practice fire safety. For example, March said the children will have to go to a door and feel if it is hot or cold. Hot signifies a fire, he said.
Children can even crawl around and out a window to escape.
A parent can accompany the children if they are scared. About a dozen children can enter the structure at a time, he said.
March said a nice turnout would benefit the community.
"We'll stay later if we have to," he said.
The event is hosted by the Pottsville Fire Department and supported by the city police, Pottsville Area EMS, the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Department, Lehigh Valley Medievac, the South Schuylkill Mutual Aid and the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency.