Even though fire prevention activities traditionally are held during the month of October, West Grove Fire Company preaches fire safety all year long through various types of public displays or school visits.

On Monday March 28th volunteers and career staff visited the West Grove United Methodist Church Preschool class. “Firefighter Lisa,” as she is commonly known, discussed what they should do if they see smoke - crawl low; use the back of the hand to check the door to see if it is hot; how to get the attention of firefighters - open a window and wave something and scream loud if they can not get out of their house; and having a family meeting place outside. Firefighter Lisa gets the children engaged by explaining the emergency number to call: 9-1-1; and discussing and showing what to do if their clothing would catch on fire: “Stop - Drop - Roll.” Both of these topics relax the children by having some fun with these two important topics.

Firefighter Katie took the opportunity to explain how firefighters put on their turn-out gear. This includes boots and pants, hood and coat, self contained breathing air or air pack and mask, followed by helmet and gloves. With all this gear on, she explains that children should not be afraid because there is just a friendly person inside the gear trying to help them. She takes this time to walk around so each child has the opportunity to touch and feel her gloves and to see her “eyes” inside the mask. This has shown to be a very positive exercise in that it helps children to become comfortable and not afraid of the firefighter.

Career EMT/Firefighter Brian showed the children some of the many tools a firefighter may carry going into a fire scene over and above the traditional hose and ladders. He showed them a flashlight, Thermal Imaging Camera, Water Extinguisher along with a Haligan Bar and Ceiling Hook.

Typically at these types of events, the WGFC members take the children outside and allow them to walk around various types of emergency vehicles which is always a highlight of the program. With the unusually cold temperatures and wind chills below freezing, this time the children were given a treat of watching from inside while the emergency vehicles left the school with red lights flashing and sirens blaring.

The West Grove Fire Company is always willing to come and talk to your group both young and old on how to be fire safe. Contact us by emailing info@wgfc.org.