By Sierra Schupbach
Pittsburg Morning Sun – November 6, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – November 20, 2013
Firemen from the Girard Fire Department came to RVH to instruct students on fire safety Wednesday, October 23.
The unit on fire safety took two days to complete, and approximately 550 students learned how to prevent a fire before it starts and how to react in a hazardous situation.
RVH has had this program for many years. Physical education instructor Rich Wiens arranged this year’s activities with Girard Fire Department firefighter and engineer Mike Woods.
Regarding the event, Fire Chief Chase Waggoner said, “It’s important that we start fire prevention education early. If we give younger children a solid foundation on fire safety, we hope that we will be instilling fire safe behavior that will last a lifetime.”
Children of all ages learned about fire prevention with topics ranging from not playing with matches to how to test a smoke detector.
They were also taught basic fire safety, including Stop, drop and roll, how to call 911 and how to crawl out of a burning building.
Landon Yockey, a student in Nancy Boore’s kindergarten class, said, “You should stop, drop and roll if you catch on fire, and if you see fire, don’t run but call 911.”
This year a Smoke House was used to teach children how to evacuate a burning house. Students entered the miniature house, and a smoke machine simulated smoke from a fire.
They were then instructed to leave the house in an orderly fashion and report to a designated “safe spot,” a location far enough from danger where everyone could meet.
Regarding the experience, Josie Gronau, also from Mrs. Boore’s kindergarten class, said, “I learned that I can’t jump out of my window. If you have a ladder you should use that instead. You should also touch the door with the back of your hand before you open it.”
Girard Fire Department personnel want to thank the Fort Scott Fire Department for the use of their Smoke House.
Firefighters who participated in the event included Fire Chief Waggoner, Assistant Fire Chief Bob Sands, Captain Terry Wray, Captain Casey Iris, Engineer Mike Woods and Firefighter Gary Horton.
Regarding the event, Mr. Wiens said, “The children were excited about the Smoke House, and as always, the firemen did a great job. We look forward to having more days like this in the future.”
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