Phoenix firefighting museum reopens with new safety guidelines

PHOENIX - There is something about the sound of a fire engine siren that gives a certain thrill.

The world's largest museum of firefighting history, the Phoenix Hall of Flame, keeps family and visitors coming back for more.

"It's pretty awesome to see all the cool trucks and see the boys get super excited to see each other and be in here and get out of the house," Anna Viviano said.

The Hall of Flame reopened its doors for the first time since being closed in mid-March due to the pandemic.

"Everyone here has been waiting and itching to not only see the remodeling that we've done but also get back to work," said Chuck Montgomery, executive director of the Hall of Flame. "Firefighters love interacting with the public and we love teaching our history." 

Usually, the Phoenix firefighter museum sees more than 30,000 visitors per year, but between remodeling and the coronavirus, the museum is putting new safety measures in place to keep both guests and employees safe.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
hallofflame.org

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

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Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu. 

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough, and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or heart conditions.

RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold or COVID-19? Different viruses present similar symptoms

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.