Date: Fri 08-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

schools-fire-safety

Full Text:

with cuts: Hawley Kids Learn Fire Safety DOs And DON'Ts

B Y D OROTHY E VANS

Hawley School children had a chance recently to explore a real fire trap

designed by those who should know - real firemen. Hopefully, they learned from

the experience.

A group of Northville, New Milford firefighters, known as the Water Witch Hose

Company No. 2, brought its traveling fire safety show to the Newtown

elementary school's parking lot October 29 with the purpose of teaching some

basic rules of fire safety around a typical home.

Exhibit A was a custom-built trailer home that had been specially furnished by

the firefighters to demonstrate numerous dangerous situations that could be

considered fire hazards.

The Hawley children were invited to view a fire safety video and then tour the

trailer and try to identify what was wrong inside.

The Hawley children were up to the challenge.

They found plenty of fire hazards in the Water Witch trailer including,

extension cords attached to extension cords, wires under the rug, plastic

plates left atop lamp shades, toys strewn on the stair steps, a tin can in the

microwave and dishes left on the stove-top burners.

Take Precautions

The firemen talked to the children about several safety precautions they and

their families could practice.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen because not all fires can be put out

with water.

Install smoke alarms at the top of each flight of stairs and near the kitchen.

Have a portable ladder stored someplace upstairs and practice an alternate

escape route out a window, in case your stairway is blocked by fire or smoke.

What If A Fire Starts?

They also told the children if a fire does start, they should try to remember

the following basic rules:

Dial 911 and tell the operator that a fire has started. Be sure to give your

name and address. (Families might need to post that information by a phone

where a child could readily find it.)

Stay low to the ground and, if necessary, crawl out of danger away from the

heat.

Do not go back inside the house for a pet.

Don't be afraid if you see a fireman and, most importantly, don't run away and

hide.

The Water Witch firefighters have taken their fire safety trailer to schools

throughout Connecticut over the past two years, and they estimate that more

than 2,900 children have explored the exhibit.