Fire Prevention and Safety at Jefferson School
The Huntington Fire Department sent some of its trucks and personnel to Jefferson Primary School one recent day, not to put out a fire but to prevent one. Kindergarteners were the audience for a specialized program that shared potentially lifesaving safety information. Of course, the youngsters enjoyed looking at the shiny red vehicles and trying out some of the gear.
Jefferson kindergarten teachers Carol Coffey, Theresa Duffy, Toby Frye, Rosita Lanoue and Adrienne Braun arranged for the visit and prepped their students in advance. A firefighter visited the youngsters in their classrooms, discussing overall home safety and the need to prevent a possibly deadly fire. The value of “being prepared” was stressed many times.
A variety of critical home items and topics were covered during the presentation including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fireplace safety, kitchen safety and the use of matches. The kindergarteners also learned more about the need to prepare an escape plan. Youngsters pledged to talk to their parents about establishing a fixed outdoor location where family members would gather in case of an emergency evacuation of the home.
Students then headed outside to the Huntington Fire Department’s Kid’s Safety House where they took turns going inside a mock living room, kitchen and bedroom to talk more about fire prevention in specific home areas.
The youngsters were told that through fire safety and prevention, lives can be saved, including those of firefighters and other first responders. Jefferson School teachers were in agreement that fire prevention education is one of the most rewarding programs anyone can participate in, regardless of age or occupation.
One point emphasized to kindergarteners throughout the program was that should a fire break out, it’s essential to have a plan in place to get out of harm’s way as quickly as possible.
The Huntington Fire Department has a long history of community outreach, with an active fire prevention and safety education program. Since 1843 it has been staffed by volunteers who have responded to every type of possible emergency.
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