The Melbourne Fire Department held a hands-on safety demonstration for more than 200 children at the Melbourne Fire Station on October 14 as part of Safe Kids Day. Firefighters taught attendees about fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and water safety through interactive activities and equipment tours. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Brevard County Safe Kids Coalition, aimed to reinforce safety habits in homes and communities.
Firefighters demonstrated how to use fire extinguishers, explain escape routes during a fire, and identify hazards in and around homes. A section of the station was converted into a mock kitchen to show proper fire escape techniques. Parents and children also participated in a water safety drill at the station’s pool, learning about lifeguarding basics and prevention of drowning incidents.
Melbourne Fire Chief Carlos Mendez said the event was designed to reach families who might not typically interact with emergency services. 'We want to make safety second nature,' Mendez said. 'Kids remember these lessons long after the event ends.' Over 150 firefighters and volunteers from local agencies helped organize the day, which included free materials like smoke alarms and safety guides.
The Safe Kids Coalition reported similar events in Cocoa and Palm Bay earlier this month, but the Melbourne station’s turnout was the highest in the county so far. Local schools partnered with the fire department to invite students, and many families returned for a second visit to explore the station’s training areas. 'It’s about creating a culture of prevention,' said coalition coordinator Lisa Tran. 'We’re not just reacting to emergencies—we’re stopping them before they start.'