Little Housewife
Anping Fort, Anping Old Street, and Anping Tree House are well-known attractions in Tainan, but did you know there's also a hidden, free, educational family-friendly attraction inside the Tainan Fire Department? The Disaster Prevention Education Center offers disaster prevention guided tours and hands-on experiences, including storm simulation, an earthquake house, a smoke room, and even the thrilling rooftop rappelling between two buildings. This interactive experience is not only fun but also educational, making it perfect for families with kids.
Opening Hours:Tuesday to Friday: 08:30–12:00, 13:30–17:00 (one session in the morning and one in the afternoon)
Reservation Method:Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation in advance. Individual visitors can call ahead to inform the center. Both group and individual visitors are required to purchase their own travel insurance.
Individual Visitor Hotline: 06-2975119 ext. 2202 or 0910739954
Group Registration Form:Please inquire at the Disaster Prevention Fire Station
Recommendations:The activities involve climbing and crouching, so it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing for easier movement.
Once inside the Tainan City Fire Department, the service desk is on the left. After explaining your visit purpose, you can head to the Disaster Prevention Education Center on the other side.
We had done some online research before visiting, but there was very little information available and we were worried it might turn out to be another underwhelming "mosquito museum." While waiting for the tour guide, we wandered around on our own. The Disaster Prevention Education Center displays many items related to firefighting and disaster prevention. We were a bit concerned the activity might be dull and long, causing our child to get restless—but we were pleasantly surprised by how engaging and fulfilling the schedule was.
The four-step fire extinguisher method: “Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep”We thought it would just be verbal instructions from the guide, but we actually got to practice it ourselves—pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle to release the water stream, and sweep from side to side. Our child’s expression was a mix of surprise and delight.
Taiwan is located in an earthquake-prone zone, and learning about disaster prevention is everyone’s responsibility. What to do during an earthquake? The center originally prepared pillows, but due to recent rainy weather, the pillows were damp, so we were asked to take cover under a table and protect our heads with one hand.
The simulation recreates an earthquake, with the building shaking from side to side. Our unsuspecting child probably thought it was a rocking horse and was laughing brightly.
Fires are often accompanied by thick smoke. What should you do in case of smoke? The smoke room lets you experience how to escape in such conditions. However, because our child is young and we were worried the smoke might scare her, we only practiced crawling low along the wall. She loved it so much she kept asking, “Can I do it again? Mommy, please?”
Your child’s flying hair probably gives away what this next part is about—strong winds blowing fiercely. What to do in a storm? The answer is simple: stay indoors, and never go to the seaside to watch the waves.
The most thrilling part of the disaster prevention experience requires participants to have insurance—this activity is the reason why (limited to those over 130 cm tall). The guide explained that the rope activity across two buildings simulates what to do if a bridge collapses.
When chatting with my partner, he said that during his military service training, there wasn’t even a safety net below. He kept going on about “back in the day” and I really didn’t want to hear his war stories. I wanted to tell him how brave I was today—overcoming my fear and actually crossing from Building A to Building B.
The Disaster Prevention Education Center also has an electric driving simulator donated by Tom’s World, where you can experience what it's like for firefighters to put out fires.
The video guide shows the Fire Department’s dedication. The script is full of references and pop culture jokes, making the film both informative and entertaining. The models even move along with the video scenes, complete with sound, light, water effects, and moving fire trucks and ambulances that captivate the children.
The Disaster Prevention Education Center completely shatters the notion of a “mosquito museum.” The activities are both educational and fun, allowing parents and kids to learn while playing together. It’s a great free family attraction. Next time you’re in Anping, don’t just go for shrimp rolls or buy preserved fruits—check this out too.
■ Address: No. 898, Section 2, Yonghua Road, Anping District, Tainan City
■ Phone: 06-297-5119
■ Business Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 08:30–12:00, 13:30–17:00 (one session in the morning and one in the afternoon)
[Authorized repost from [Bao's Home]Original source: [Disaster Prevention Education Center | Tainan Anping Family-Friendly Attraction | Storm, Earthquake House, Smoke Room, Sailor Crossing – Little Firefighters, Come for a Free Experience]
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