By Olivia Drake, HVFC Public Information Officer.
Haddam Volunteer Fire Company visited five area schools this month to promote the 2019 Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
On October 10 & 11, 2019, members visited children at Young Horizons Day Care Center, Cougar Cubs Day Care, Haddam Cooperative Nursery School, and Burr District Elementary School.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years—in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day from 2012 to 2016.
“It’s so crucial that families make an escape plan in the event of a fire,” said Firefighter and Fire Prevention Week Chair Franklin Pierce.
Firefighters taught the children the importance of calling 9-1-1, using the back of their hand to feel for a potentially hot doorknob, crawling low to see under smoke, and stop-drop-and-roll.
They also dressed in gear and offered the kids high-fives.
“If there’s a fire and you’re trapped, and you see one of us, don’t be scared. Don’t hide. Come to us. We are there to help you,” Pierce said.
Following the program, participants received fire prevention materials and a plastic firefighter helmet.
Photos courtesy of HVFC.
