Fire-Rescue kicked off it’s month long Fire Prevention Activities in the Elementary Schools Monday 4-October at Northside Elementary School on Industrial Road. The actual program runs year-round with activities and presentations throughout the year, but a concerted effort to reach the younger school aged children coincides with National Fire Prevention Week in October. Due to the number of students and schools involved, Fire-Rescue’s program is stretched out over the entire month of October and reaches all public and private elementary schools in the unincorporated areas. County Fire Marshal / Captain Richard Sheffield coordinates the activities which starts with pre-K. Firefighters read a large picture book about fire safety to the children. They then tour a Fire Engine and Ambulance plus have the opportunity to spray water from the Engine’s booster line. In the Kindergarten and First Grades, the children view videos about fire safety and practice STOP, DROP and ROLL procedures. They learn about Home Fire Drills and general safety around the house. They are taught to alert an adult about any dangers found. Second Grade students are treated to a skit preformed by Sheffield and other Firefighters. In the skit, Sheffield plays a child and performs acts that are not fire safe. The

children have to yell out “STOP”, every time they discover something wrong. Following the skit, Sheffield and Asst. Chief David Greene review the safety message with the students. Second Grade students also participate in a Countywide coloring contest. Students are given a ten question Fire Safety Test and then color the picture on the opposite side. Those who answer all of the questions correctly are then judged on the picture. The winner is awarded a new bicycle and helmet in November. Two runners up receive a gift card. Third grade students tour the Fire Safety House and receive a complete review of all of the information they have received over the past several years. The Fire Safety House is a small replica of a house containing three props; a living room with fire place, a kitchen and a bedroom. The students are taught about fire place safety, the correct use of the 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System, Kitchen Safety and the proper way to exit a building during a fire. Breathable smoke is used to simulate a fire and the children get to exit the second floor using a rescue ladder.