In an effort to get the public caught up on fire safety, fire departments around the country are celebrating National Fire Prevention Month. Elyse Mickalonis shows us how the Vestal Fire Department is showing people in the Southern Tier, the importance of fire safety.

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VESTAL, N.Y. -- It’s a time of year when firefighters across the nation show the public how to stay safe.

“The whole purpose is to educate the public about fire safety, we have the fire safety house to show kids what to do in the event of smoke or fire and familiarize them with all we do,” said Douglas Rose, Vestal Fire Assistant Chief.

The Town of Vestal Fire Department held its annual Fire Safety Expo on Saturday.
The goal is to educate families and friends about fire safety dos and dont's, and to let children see firefighters in full gear, in case there is ever a fire.

“We sound like Darth Vader, but we’re there to help. Especially with young children one of the most important things is that they don’t go hide,” said Rose.

YNN spoke with Gordy Kotars from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York about practicing fire drills at home.

“We’re really pushing, this year, to find a second way out of your home or building.
Not only plan, but practice just like they do with kids in school,” said Gordy Kotars, FASNY Volunteer Program Officer.

People here said even though it's National Fire Prevention Month, it’s important to practice fire safety every day of the year.

"This is fire safety month and fire safety week, but please practice it the whole year through rather than just one month. I know we all have things we have to do, but it’s all year long,” said Carle Truman, Event Coordinator and Fire Marshal.

For more information on fire safety just head to www.nfpa.org.