The entire family is invited to a fun-filled day at the annual Fire Prevention Week Open House, sponsored by Sarasota County Emergency Services; The free open house will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Fire Station No. 5, 400 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota

This year’s theme, “Here the beep when you sleep – every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm!” was chosen by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), which reports that one in five home fires and half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are sleeping. Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan.

“When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Smoke alarms give early warning so everyone can get outside quickly. Make sure family members have an escape plan with two ways out,” said Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier. “We hope that Fire Prevention Week will help to reach folks in the community to prevent this from happening to them.”

The open house event will include live fire demonstrations, face painting, games, a World Trade Center artifact, fire trucks and rescues, 911’s Red E. Fox and Terry Telephone and much more. Admission and refreshments are free.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000