Washington Students Learn All About Emergencies
Staying focused and collected during a crisis situation can save lives. This is important for people of any age to remember. So when emergency vehicles pulled up to Washington Primary School last week if was for a legitimate educational purpose, not merely for a cute little photo op.
Emergency service workers came to the school to encourage safe practices and improve the general knowledge of students about the role of firefighters and rescue responders.
Vehicles and personnel from the Huntington Community First Aid Squad and Huntington Fire Department came to the school on consecutive days for carefully planned presentations specially tailored for young people. Every student in the school participated in the sessions and the youngsters responded with both enthusiasm and fascination.
The dual visits are annual events and considered time well spent, Washington Principal Marsha Neville said. "By teaching our students what to do during an emergency and how to prevent injuries, we hope to avert an unfortunate tragedy from ever occurring."
Washington youngsters learned about the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet and the power and dangers associated with electricity and engaged in discussions on many other potential risks around the house and yard.
Students grew in their understanding of what rescue workers do, the equipment a rescue vehicle carries and what the specific items are used for. Youngsters were provided with an opportunity to go inside an active ambulance and inspect specialized gear. "It was a fascinating experience for many of them," Mrs. Neville said.
Rescue workers stressed there is no reason to fear an ambulance's siren or flashing lights. "A siren or flashing lights simply means help is on its way," Mrs. Neville said. "We know that some children are scared at these sights and sounds so emphasizing these are good things is entirely appropriate and necessary."
Washington School has an enrollment of more than 400 students this year, ranging from kindergarten through fourth grade. "We believe these visits by our local emergency service units contribute to our goal of keeping students safe at home and at school," Mrs. Neville said. "Giving our young people information they can use to make good decisions during an actual emergency is certainly worthwhile."
The Huntington Fire Department provided classroom lessons in fire prevention and safety and the steps to take during an emergency. Students were informed that planning is essential, including developing an escape route out of house.
The youngsters learned about the devastating effect of fire, how smoke can also be a killer and how to avoid an awful fate by thinking quickly, but calmly. The department's Smoke House was brought to Washington to simulate conditions in a smoke filled home and how to escape to safety.
"We are grateful that these community organizations are willing to come to our school and spend time with Washington School's students," Mrs. Neville said.