By Adam Gardner
Atchison Globe – September 11, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – October 3, 2013
Fourth-graders at area schools have been receiving some additional education lately, courtesy of the Atchison Fire Department.
Lt. Bill Andre has spent time at Atchison Elementary School, Trinity Lutheran and St. Benedict School explaining the dangers of fire as well as teaching the students fire safety and prevention.
“They’re old enough to take care of responsibility and help their families out,” Andre said of the students. “It’s a very big concern in the city. We want kids to know how safe they can be and what they need to do to be safe.”
The students received homework and took a final test, with the highest scoring student in each class to be named a Junior Fire Marshal. The prize for being named Junior Fire Marshal is a ride in the AFD’s aerial truck.
The key lessons taught by Andre were:
*There needs to be at least two escape routes in each room in the home. Families should practice escape routes and establish a meeting place outside of the home in case of an emergency.
*Smoke detectors need to be checked once a month and batteries changed once a year. The fire department offers free smoke detectors to residents who come to the station to pick them up; the fire department will also install the smoke detectors if needed and can change the batteries.
*Smoking and smoking materials are the leading cause of fire related deaths in the United States. The students were encourage to remind parents and older siblings not to fall asleep while smoking.
*Smoke inhalation can cause death. In case of a fire, the freshest air is nearest to the floor.
*Stop, drop and roll if on fire.
*Calling 911 must be in times of emergencies. The two most important things to remember when calling 911 is the address of the home and the type of emergency.
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