October 11, 2007

Igniting fire safety awareness

You’re never too young to learn fire safety

Williams’ kindergartners welcome fire-fighting visitors

By Chrissy Derksen
Special to the Times

Children all over the United States spent time this week learning about preventing fires and visiting local fire stations. It was no different at Williams Elementary School in Almaden as fire fighters from the local Fire Station 22 visited the school’s 122 kindergarten students.

Capt. Tony, right, and a fire fighter explain to the children wearing fire hats they made in class exactly what firefighters look like when they are extinguishing fires. While fire fighters may look rather scary when they are in full gear, the 120 kindergartners at Williams learned not to be afraid.

The students spent part of National Fire Safety Week learning about the dangers of fire and the rules they should remember to avoid getting injured during a fire. Some of these include feeling a door for heat before opening it and stop, drop and roll and crawl instead of walking out of a smoke-filled room.

As with anything, the more advanced knowledge you have, the better prepared you will be if an emergency arises. The threat of fire doesn’t have an age limit, so it is helpful to be as knowledgeable and prepared as possible, no matter your age.

In fact, for a young child that may have trouble even reaching a window lock, instruction for fire safety is invaluable and provides them a better chance of avoiding injury if they are faced with a fire emergency. It also familiarizes children with fire fighters.

“It thought it was so important that the fireman put on his full uniform with his mask and air tank on, and made sure the children knew that they shouldn't be afraid if they saw him in their house,” said Mrs. Ereno, a Williams’ kindergarten teacher.

“The 120 kindergarten students from Williams Elementary were very fortunate to have Capt. Tony and the crew from Fire Station 22 come and visit the school. Having spent the week learning about fire safety and community helpers, the children were thrilled to see the firemen and their trucks. Capt. Tony reviewed all of the fire safety rules, told them about the equipment on his rig and was a big hit with everyone. Our community helpers are the best,” said Mrs. Costanzo, another of the school’s kindergarten teachers.

Students, teaches and parents from Williams Elementary School were thankful that Fire Station 22’s personnel came to visit and instruct the kindergartners on fire safety procedures and prevention. This direction may save a life, prevent an injury or provide a career path for the youngsters. It is refreshing to see the station take the time to support the community. Hats off Station 22!