KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
The fourth annual Touch-a-Truck in North Glengarry was a great success, kicking off Fire Prevention Week. Many families took the time to stop in an enjoy a close-up look at emergency vehicles, heavy tow trucks and propane delivery trucks. Touch-a-Truck provides the opportunity for firefighters, police officers and first responders to connect one-on-one with residents, helping to build trust and confidence in those who keep communities safe.
North Glengarry Fire Services had a selection of their fire trucks on display, including Alexandria’s aerial truck, as well as other specialty firefighting equipment such as the utility safety vehicle and the versatile inflatable water, ice and snow rescue boat. The utility tracker provides essential service for the many rural areas of North Glengarry, where farm equipment fures, grass fires along railway lines or field fires pose challenges for the fire trucks to access. This utility vehicle carries brush fire equipment, portable water packs and rescue equipment such as backboards and ropes, permitting firefighters to battle the fire with the tools they need.
The mobile safety trailer was also at the 2025 Touch-a-Truck in North Glengarry. This safety trailer is set up like a house, with living room area, kitchen and bedroom, where kids and adults are educated by a firefighter on safety practices at home. This interactive setup allows attendees to learn about the dangers of overloading plugs, the importance of keeping paper towels & flammable items away from stove tops and even making sure handles on pots are turned in, limiting the chance of spills that can burn or start a fire.
Children also learned that sleeping with the bedroom door closed is safer, keeping most of the smoke out of their rooms in case of fire in another area of the house. When every second counts, this provides a chance to escape the fire through a bedroom window, using an escape ladder that should be kept for emergencies.
Another important lesson taught was the necessity of having working smoke detectors in every home, and checking to make sure the detectors are functioning correctly. For those that can’t afford a smoke detector, some local Fire Departments have partnered with companies to provide free smoke detectors to families in need, helping insure everyone has a safe home.
The Apple Hill Firefighters hosted this year’s barbeque at the 2025 Touch-a-Truck, on behalf of the North Glengarry Fire Department. As well, kids got to enjoy a firehouse bouncy castle, visit with the always-popular Sparky the Fire Safety Dog and enjoy generous scoops of ice cream served by Becky from the Ole Sugar Barn – perfect on such a sunny, warm day. SDG Library Services was also in attendance and both adults and children could sign up for a library card if they didn’t already have one.
Touch-a-Truck is an excellent initiative where first responders and heavy equipment operators can meet directly with the public to develop strong community ties.
L’article Up close at Touch-a-Truck in Glengarry est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
