MERRIMAC — Tight fire department budgets across the nation have resulted in cutbacks in services, training and equipment, and even the closure of some firehouses. But good news was announced for Merrimac as local residents and Liberty Mutual Insurance have teamed up for the second year in a row to earn the Merrimac Fire Department a $10,000 grant through Liberty Mutual's Be Fire Smart Safety Pledge program.
From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, more than 1,175 residents in Merrimac visited www.BeFireSmart.com and took an online quiz, answering 10 questions to test their fire safety knowledge. Each completion secured a credit for the Merrimac Fire Department, helping it become one of 10 cities and towns across the United States to win a Liberty Mutual grant.
Fire Chief Ralph Spencer said the station will use the grant to purchase much-needed personal protective clothing for its firefighters and continue to expand its successful public education, juvenile fire intervention and community outreach programs.
"This grant award will continue to allow the Merrimac Fire Department to provide the highest level of service to our customers, the residents and taxpayers of the Town of Merrimac," Spencer said.
"It's great to see our community rally together once again and pledge a commitment to fire safety to help Merrimac earn the $10,000 grant," said Barbara Boucher, sales representative in Liberty Mutual's North Andover office. "We have a shared responsibility to make Merrimac a great place to live and work, and supporting our local fire service is a great way to keep our families and homes safe and secure."
In addition to hosting the Be Fire Smart Pledge, BeFireSmart.com offers tools and resources to ensure families and their homes are prepared in the event of a fire. Fire safety tips, information on how to create a home fire escape plan and a room-by-room guide to preventing fire hazards are available on the site.
Additionally, kids can benefit from the interactive fire safety quizzes and a downloadable coloring book that teaches the importance of never hiding from a firefighter during an emergency. The site also offers educators classroom lesson plans, and resources for fire professionals.
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