Beckley, WV (WOAY) This Thursday, the City of Beckley Fire Department gave students at Stratton Elementary School an up-close look at a real fire engine and taught each class about fire safety.
“We’re out at the elementary school trying to educate the kids…” said probationary firefighter James O’Neal, “…making sure they’re aware of where smoke alarms, fire alarms, stuff of that nature is in their house. Also giving them a tour of the fire truck, hopefully inspiring some kids to become future firefighters and help out society.”
Hundreds of elementary schoolers got to see and touch real firefighting equipment, making memories they won’t soon forget. O’Neal says that the students brightened his day as well.
“The kids, they’re interested. They have a lot of questions about stuff on the fire engine. And then the last class that we just had, I got a lot of hugs and flowers from the kids. So it was good. It’s good to have kids, you know, come out and appreciate what you do and respect you.”
Fire Safety Week runs from October 4th through the 10th, and it’s the perfect time for kids to learn what they should do in an emergency. O’Neal says families at home should be sure to write down and rehearse a family emergency plan.
“The kids should know an escape route and how to get out of the house safely… You also need to have a meet-up point outside so that you can get a head count and make sure everyone’s accounted for… [Kids should] notify their parents if they do smell or see smoke within the house. If you hear a fire alarm or a smoke alarm go off, go to your parents, let them know, and then execute your escape route to get to safety. Then call 911.”
For more information and updates on fire safety events, visit the Beckley Fire Department Facebook page, or go to beckley.org.
