Fire Prevention Week Brings Firefighters to Local Schools

Jessica Weible

Jessica Weible

Published October 13, 2018 2:47 pm
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CLARION COUNTY, Pa. (EYT) — This week is National Fire Prevention Week and local fire departments are working with schools, preschools and daycares as part of an ongoing effort to educate the public on fire safety.

(PHOTO ABOVE: Corsica Volunteer Fire Department at Clarion-Limestone Elementary School.)

Firefighters know that this is the type of educational opportunity that could save lives. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were a total of 112 home fire fatalities in 2017 and 98 home fire fatalities have already been reported for 2018. According to the National Fire Protection Association, children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 65 are at the highest risk for injury or death in a fire. This is why Fire Prevention Week aims to bring awareness for fire prevention and fire safety in our communities and schools.

In coordination with Fire Prevention Week, Clarion Fire & Hose Company No. 1 visited Immaculate Conception Parish School to teach our students about fire safety. Students learned the importance of not being afraid of firefighters and not to hide if they need rescued. Students also got a glimpse the company’s portable water tanks.

“We are so fortunate to have such wonderful Volunteer Fire Companies and we would like to thank them all for their service!” said the school’s Advancement Coordinator, Dawn Miller.

Clarion Fire & Hose Company No. 1 at Immaculate Conception School.

Hawthorne Volunteer Fire Department continued their partnership with the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company to provide fire safety programs for local preschools as well as kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classes. Volunteers talked with the students about the importance of smoke detectors, having a plan and a meeting place in the event of a fire, as well as the Stop, Drop, and Roll method if your clothing catches fire.

Chief Curtis Kiehl, who works closely with New Bethlehem Chief, Barry Fox for fire safety programs, says that Fire Prevention Week gives his team an opportunity to help children understand how to be safe in the event of a fire and to familiarize children with what a firefighter does. He agreed that one of their main goals is to make sure children know they can trust firefighters in an emergency situation.

“It’s very important for us to show the kids what we look like when we get all dressed up,” Kiehl said. “We go through it step by step to show them we are not there to hurt them. Younger kids get scared and will hide from us and that makes our job much more difficult.”

He added that a key message each year is to check smoke detectors to make sure they are working, Another preventative measure is to sleep with the bedroom door shut so that, if there is a fire, they might have a little more time to react.

“I was amazed at how much the kids remembered from previous years,” Kiehl added. “It’s awesome to see the impact we have on the kids. Fire prevention week is our time to get out there and really make a difference in our community.”

Corsica Volunteer Fire Department has also been busy during Fire Prevention Week. They visited Clarion-Limestone School District on Wednesday to talk to the students there about fire safety.

Volunteer, Cole Grenci, says Fire Prevention Week requires a coordinated effort locally and nationally to help keep the public safe and prepared. “I think fire prevention is something that all companies locally and nationwide should teach the younger generation,” Grenci said. “There is nothing better than going out to the schools and showing them what equipment we use and let them see us in full gear to know what to expect if we ever have to show up to help them in need.”

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Clarion-Limestone Elementary School Principal, Kristie Taylor, says that she appreciates the potentially life-saving educational opportunities provided during Fire Prevention Week. “We cannot thank Don Smith and the Corsica Volunteer Fire Department enough or their dedication to keeping our community safe,” she said.

She added that the presentation was not just informative, but also fun for the students. “They brought three vehicles in full force!” Taylor said. “It was impressive how they taught the students how to keep themselves safe.”

To learn more about National Fire Prevention Week, visit the National Fire Protection Association at https://www.nfpa.org.

Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department and Farmington Twp. Volunteer Fire Company visit North Clarion Elementary School for National Fire Safety Prevention Week. Photo courtesy Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.

Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department and Farmington Twp. Volunteer Fire Company visit North Clarion Elementary School for National Fire Safety Prevention Week. Photo courtesy Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.

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