Today, members of the Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department visited Fairview Elementary School to take part in the department’s annual fire prevention activities. This has been a fun day for more than 10 years, giving the students and firefighters a chance to interact in a safe, friendly situation.
Prevention Starts at Home
Firefighters spoke with students about simple steps to discuss with their families that could help prevent fires at home. Topics included the importance of working smoke alarms, having a family escape plan with two ways out of every room, and choosing a safe meeting place outside. Students were also reminded that matches, lighters, and space heaters are not toys and how quickly curiosity can become a tragic emergency.
Getting Comfortable with Firefighters in Gear
An important part of the visit was helping students become familiar with what firefighters wear. Many young children are frightened by the sight and sounds of firefighters in turnout gear, especially when they are wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The mask, the bulky gear, and the sound of the breathing apparatus can make a firefighter look and sound like Darth Vader, not someone coming to help them.
In an emergency, that fear can cause a child to hide rather than call out or come to a rescuer. By showing students each piece of equipment and letting them see and hear how it works, firefighters hoped to ease those fears. The goal is for children to recognize that firefighters are there to help, so they will make themselves known to fire personnel and can be found and rescued quickly.
Apparatus Display in the Parking Lot
After the classroom discussion, students headed outside to the school parking lot, where department personnel had apparatus on display. Students had the opportunity to see up close many of the tools and equipment firefighters use in all kinds of emergencies, not just fires.
The students are always curious and enthusiastic about seeing the “big trucks”. It’s always the highlight of the day and brings out many questions.
Thank You
The Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department thanks the staff and students of Fairview Elementary for their warm welcome and enthusiasm. Educating our youngest community members is one of the most valuable things we do, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.
For more information on fire safety education or to schedule a visit for your school or community group, please contact the Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department.
