First graders use fire safety house to practice precautionary measures

by Amanda Schrutt

The fire safety house that comes to the school is an annual tradition that allows young students to be aware of the dangers of a fire and teaches them the precautions to take if they were ever in such a situation. The school started this tradition about ten years ago. It is put on by the Pittsford Fire Department and the fire safety trailer is provided by the Hillsdale City Fire Department. The fire safety house is provided for students in first grade. The fire safety house is something that the young students look forward to every year.

The fire safety house is a mock run through of being caught in a house fire and having to evacuate, as if the student were in a real house fire at his or her own home. A fire fighter runs through a tour of the home. The students start downstairs in a realistic kitchen setting. They are given certain facts about fire and being safe at home when fire is involved with things such as a stove and a fireplace. The tour then moves up the stairs. At the top of the stairway, the students are stalled by a closed door. The students are told to feel the door with the back of their hand and make sure it is safe to enter. The door will appear to be hot. The students enter the upstairs room which is set up like a bathroom. The fire fighters inform the students how to stay low in a room that may be filled with smoke. As soon as the firefighter lets the students know, the fog machine starts, indicating a fire. The firefighters evacuate the students from the home by helping them out onto the balcony of the house. The students climb down a ladder into the safety of a waiting firefighter.

Students really enjoy the whole experience. “I liked it because it was scary like a real fire,” says first grader Colton Black. They are always proud to receive the little fire helmets given to them by the firefighters. This opportunity lets students know that if they are in a scary situation, such as a house fire, to not be afraid of firefighters or other personnel who may be trying to help them. That is a really big key to their safety. Getting the young students used to the personnel as soon as possible could save their lives. Students enjoy being put into this “make believe,” yet realistic, situation. It’s a fun learning experience for them.