Caitlyn McGhee, City of Tavares
The City of Tavares celebrated the arrival of its new Fire Prevention and Life Safety Mobile Training trailer with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 7, following the Tavares City Council meeting. The equipment will bring interactive, hands-on fire safety education directly to residents throughout the community.
The project was made possible through FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety grant program. The 27-foot LION Fire Safety Trailer features simulated kitchen, bedroom and living areas where participants can learn to recognize fire hazards and practice responding safely during an emergency. Training features include artificial, non-toxic smoke, heated doors, sound effects and augmented reality fire extinguisher training equipment.
Designed to be ADA accessible and serve learners of all ages, the mobile trailer will support age-appropriate lessons for children, specialized safety training for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, and community education sessions for adults, civic groups and healthcare providers.
The Fire Department plans to use the equipment in partnership with the Lake County School Board, senior housing communities and civic organizations. Educational programs will also complement the department’s existing smoke alarm installation and inspection efforts.
The new mobile trailer expands the Tavares Fire Department’s ability to reach residents with practical fire prevention education, helping individuals and families build the skills they need to stay safe.
