Extinguishing Doubt: Seniors Learn Fire Safety
September 30, 2025 by Kate Nadolski
The first full week of October is a significant time for fire departments across the nation, as it’s Fire Prevention Week, when first responders focus on spreading fire safety education throughout the communities they serve.
In recognition of the week, the Macomb Township Fire Department in Michigan, and partner of Tyler Technologies, hosted a special class focused on educating senior citizens.
“Train as if your life depends on it.”
It’s a hard-to-miss slogan written on the wall of the Macomb Township Fire Department, and a sentiment that rings true for all public safety agencies. Preparedness and training are at the forefront of safe and effective fire and EMS operations.
Many fire departments require firefighters to be certified EMTs or paramedics, which entails lengthy training requirements that include things like basic life support, trauma care, patient assessment, advanced life support, pediatric care, in addition to fire training.
It’s critical that first responders train as if their lives depend on it — because they do.
“When in doubt, get out. When it’s safe, put it out.”
Another memorable message written across the white board in that same room, as a group of senior citizens shuffled into their seats to begin fire safety training.
Macomb Fire Inspector Michael Azar led the group through best practices for fire prevention, including proper smoke detector and fire extinguisher maintenance, and explained what to do in the event of a fire.
Participants learned two key acronyms: PASS and SAFE. Both are commonly used in fire safety education as simple, easy to remember guides for responding to a fire.
PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep — outlining the steps to properly use a fire extinguisher.
SAFE reminds people to Stay calm, Aim low, Fight small, and Exit if needed.
Inspector Azar said the importance of Fire Prevention Week goes farther than just basic education.
Fire Prevention Week is focused on fire safety and even the little things like lithium-ion batteries. They may seem harmless to some, but if you leave those plugged in too long, they can overheat to the point of exploding
Macomb Fire Inspector Azar
Macomb Township Fire Department
“Fire Prevention Week is focused on fire safety and even the little things like lithium-ion batteries. They may seem harmless to some, but if you leave those plugged in too long, they can overheat to the point of exploding,” Azar said.
“There are all kinds of things to be aware of and having a fire education class like this can help.”
The class went beyond acronyms and discussion as attendees had the chance to test their knowledge by using a fire extinguisher to put out a controlled fire at the station. The Macomb Township Fire Department even let us try!
For Inspector Azar, Fire Prevention Week is more than just an annual tradition — it’s a chance to make an impact in the community.
“Fire education and safety save lives. Like G.I. Joe said: knowing is half the battle,” Azar said.