Fire Prevention’s primary responsibility is education starting as young as pre-schoolers.  Once a year we go to the various schools in our community.  Our objectives are to explain to the children the dangers of playing with lighters and matches and how quickly a small fire can spread to one that is out of control.  We don’t use scare tactics, but do our best to educate.  In case of a fire we want them to understand the safest and also the quickest exit from their residence.  They also are encouraged to have a pre-existing meeting place and also never to go back into their residence under any circumstance.  We encourage the students to have drills in their home with their family to practice different escape routes in the event of a fire in their home.  We show them how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches on fire.  We have our firefighters in full turnout gear, including face mask and air tank so the children understand that a firefighter is their friend and not to hide from them or be afraid of them.  We explain the importance of wearing seatbelts when riding in a vehicle as well as donning appropriate safety gear when riding a bicycle, skate boarding, roller blading or any other type of activity where there could be potential for injury.  We hope the children bring this information home to help educate the members of their family.  We also explain the importance of 911 and how it is to be used only in an emergency. 

If anyone feels they are having any issues with their children playing with matches or wanting to set fires please contact us.  We would be happy to have a member of our Juvenile Task Force Team, who is trained to deal with these situations speak with you.  All meetings will be held on a one to one basis and all discussions are kept confidential.  Please contact Michele Saporite at (845) 226-1652.

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