Despite the presence of a fire engine parked just outside the Manchester Elementary School (MEMS), there was no cause for alarm.The fire-fighting equipment was just part of the school’s recognition of National Fire Prevention Week: October 5th-11th.
On Thursday, October 8th, the Manchester Fire Department set up shop at MEMS for a day of fiery learning. All students from each grade rotated through two stations: one outdoors to explore the trucks and firefighting equipment and the other inside for a home safety presentation in the school’s Jackie Parks Room.
The discussion provided students with a variety of useful tips to take home to their parents and other loved ones: ”Ask your parents to test all the home fire alarms to make sure they are working and make sure you and your family recognize the sound of your alert to evacuate the house."
Students were advised to make certain their family has a designated meeting spot outside in case of a fire. That way, they can answer with certainty when a firefighter arrives on the scene and asks, “Is everyone accounted for?”
The kids were urged to memorize their home address. They must be prepared so if there is ever a need to call 911 to report a fire, they can immediately answer the dispatcher’s most important question and send the fire fighters on their way.
The outside forum was more fun. It featured explanations of and hands-on opportunities to use all the working parts of the tools, gages, gadgets, and protective clothing. The students jumped at the chance to try on boots, jackets, gloves and hats. They eagerly lined up to go inside the truck to experience sitting inside the cab behind the wheel.
“This day turned out to be better than I first thought,” said one student. “It made me appreciate the value of fire safety. And it was fun.”
(Photo above: The outside session on Fire Safety Day featured explanations and hands-on opportunities to explore all the working parts of the tools, gages, gadgets, and protective clothing.)
The students jumped at the chance to try on boots, jackets, gloves and hats.
The students loved going inside the passenger cab of the fire truck.
The students climbed up on board the fire engine with a little help from their friends on Fire Safety Day at MEMS.
The Manchester Fire Department reviewed various electrical devices that presented a risk of fire.