Not Just Cute at Flower Hill School
When the fire trucks and rescue vehicles rolled into Flower Hill Primary School parking lot and students filed out the front doors it made for a cute little photo op. But, this visit wasn’t for show. It served a very definite educational purpose.
The Halesite Fire Department sent a fire truck, ambulance, “smoke house” and 15 firefighters dressed in black-and-yellow gear. Kindergarteners were organized into small groups and then brought through various activities designed to teach them about fire safety and how they can help save lives during an actual emergency.
Firefighters discussed an assortment of specialized equipment, its purpose and how it is used. A walk-through the ambulance had heads and eyes turning in every direction as students were amazed at all the items packed into the relatively small space.
The youngsters were mesmerized when the ladder on the large fire truck was raised 15 feet into the air and they came to realize how the apparatus can rescue people trapped on the upper floors of a burning structure. Students also inspected different sized hoses stored on the truck and learned how they are used.
The “smoke house” was utilized to simulate conditions that might be encountered during an actual emergency. Hands-on drills were performed to help the children understand what needs to be done to escape from a hazardous situation quickly, including how to climb through a window and down a ladder.
The next day the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department sent two firemen to Flower Hill and the youngsters loved every minute of the visit, taking the opportunity to try on the oversized gear that was brought along. Students studied fire resistant designs and materials and examined a set of emergency tools. “They know all the answers to our questions every year,” one of the CSH firemen said.
The students and the two firemen engaged in a lively discussion. The children were “tested” on their emergency preparedness knowledge, including knowing their street address, when to call 911, how to “stop, drop and roll” and the importance of never hiding during such a crisis. The youngsters were told to never fear the presence of firemen during an emergency because they are there to help.
The firemen also explained what motivates them to volunteer and put their own lives on the line. “It’s our chance to give back to our community,” one said.
The annual visit is typically one of the highlights on the schedule of Flower Hill’s kindergarten program. Students prepared in the days leading up to it by reading stories and discussing fire prevention with their teachers and classmates.
“We are impressed that so many children now know what to do in an emergency thanks to the Flower Hill kindergarten teachers and the fire prevention activities held each October,” Principal Marlon Small said.
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office