NORWICH – The City of Norwich Firefighters welcomed a number of citizens into their second home Wednesday night at their annual open house.

Each year, the second week of October is designated as Fire Prevention Week and fire departments across Chenango have been arranging public events, inviting local residents to get to know the men and women serving in the local fire districts.

“Fire Prevention Week is held each year, during the week of October 9 as a tribute to the great Chicago fire,” said six-year veteran firefighter veteran Stephen Cady.

Cady said every family should have an escape route out of their house and should practice it. “Each house should have at least two exits out of their home, an established meeting place outside the house and a way to contact the fire department, like at a neighbor’s house,” said Cady

Norwich is the only paid fire department in Chenango, but they along with all other departments rely heavily on volunteers.

“Fire Prevention Week not only serves to promote fire safety and awareness but to also remind the community of just how valuable a public resource the departments are,” said Fire Captain Michael T. Ford, an 11-year veteran of the department.