Fire Prevention and Safety at Jefferson School
The Huntington Fire Department sent some of its trucks and personnel to Jefferson Primary School this month, not to battle a fire, but to prevent one. Kindergarteners were the audience for a finely tuned program that shared potentially lifesaving safety information. The youngsters naturally enjoyed looking at the shiny bright red vehicles and trying out some of the specialized gear.
"Our little ones were thrilled to meet the firefighters who generously gave their time to teach our young students about fire safety," Jefferson Principal Margaret H. Evers said. "It was a great visit!"
Jefferson kindergarten teachers arranged for the fire department program and prepared their students in advance. A firefighter visited the youngsters in their respective classroom, discussing overall home safety and the need to prevent what could become a deadly fire. The value of "being prepared" was stressed time-after-time.
Numerous critical home items and topics were covered during the organized presentation including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fireplace safety, kitchen safety and the use of matches. The kindergarteners also heard 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 kindergarten teachers agreed that fire prevention education is one of the most rewarding - and important - programs that anyone can participate in, regardless of their age or occupation.
One point emphasized to kindergarteners throughout the program was that should a fire break out, it's imperative to have an escape 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.