Fire Prevention Week now drawing to a close
By:Laura Toto
The Bureau of Fire Safety kicked off Fire Prevention Week this week with lectures from Keith Addie, fire inspector, to township schools and day-care centers.
Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 8-14. The Bureau of Fire Safety and volunteer fire departments have been visiting the schools and day-care centers to teach children about fire safety. Lectures today will be at the Children’s Workshop on Hillsborough Road, the YMCA, and Mary Mother of God day care on Triangle Road.
In a room of 3-year-olds Tuesday morning at Mulberry Childcare and Preschool on Route 206, Mr. Addie held a smoke detector.
"If we ever have a fire in the house it will wake us up," Mr. Addie said after it sounded.
Mr. Addie asked the children what number to call if there was a fire or an emergency, and they yelled "911." He reminded children to call only if there was an emergency because firefighters could go for no reason and there could be other emergencies.
Mr. Addie also stressed the importance of having a common meeting place for the family where everyone in the family would wait until other members of the family arrive.
"Once you are out of the house make sure you stay outside," Mr. Addie said "A firefighter goes back into the house – no one else – to get anyone (or pets) that didn’t get out."
Mr. Addie also instructed the children that if they can’t get out of the house on their own to stay close to the floor because the air is cleaner there. He also reminded the children not to hide while waiting for help because firefighters would be unable to find them.
When he asked what to do if their clothes catch on fire, the children responded, "Stop, drop, and roll."
Mr. Addie added, "It will put out the fire, but don’t run because the fire will get bigger."
Bryan Galganski, a volunteer firefighter, demonstrated the full equipment a firefighter uses by wearing the protective gear and showing the children he is still the same man.
Mr. Galganski hooked up his air mask and crawled on the ground.
"Don’t ever run from a firefighter," Mr. Addie said, "They are there to help you, not hurt you."
The children were then led outside to get a tour of the fire trucks.
The Fire Safety Bureau’s safety tips include, having at least one smoke detector on every level of the home, have an escape plan and practice it, have home heating appliances inspected annually by a qualified service person, install carbon monoxide detectors, and use caution when using candles and portable heaters.