News : Fire Prevention Week brings Kids and Firemen Together

Every year it's fun to watch our Vinton Fire Department share their knowledge with area children. The department visits children as young as preschool and through elementary age. They share with the children what to do if their clothes should catch on fire, telling them that they can't outrun the fire, but to Stop-Drop-and Roll. 

The department also talks with children about what to do if they are at home and a fire starts. They tell the kids to get out and go to a meeting place where mom and dad can find them. (So mom and dad, have this discussion. Find a place away from the house where the family can meet in case of a fire.) 

Also as part of the program, the firemen point out the places that one can escape from a room, pointing out the doors and windows in case of a fire. 

When firemen put on the gear, the kids can see what a fireman looks like who might be trying to find them. They can hear the hiss of the air tanks and explain that the fireman needs those so that they can breathe while walking through all the smoke. 

There is education about smoke detectors and how smoke rises, so the kids should crawl under the smoke to get out. There is also the discussion about what to do if they find themselves caught in a room. Stay low, but be loud when they hear a fireman searching for them. 

The highlight is of course, getting to climb on the fire truck and pretend like they are driving the truck. 

Thank you once again to the Vinton Fire Department. The department is made up of awesome volunteers that show up when some of us end up having a very bad day. Kudos for this extra service provided to our children.

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