Local firefighters from the Mahopac and Mahopac Falls volunteer fire departments visited Lakeview Elementary School and the Mahopac Falls School to teach fire prevention to groups of Mahopac students.
Firefighters taught students not to play with fire or with matches, and how to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if a piece of their clothing catches on fire. They also demonstrated how a firefighter looks, first with regular civilian clothing, and then with all their protective equipment on, including their boots, coat, mask, helmet and breathing apparatus. Being familiar with how firefighters look in full gear is important to allay children’s fears if they are present when firefighters respond to a call. The children won’t be afraid to go to them, especially if there is poor visibility within a smoke-filled room.
For instance, some of the youngest children from universal pre-K expressed hesitation when approached by the firefighters dressed in their full turnout gear. “We teach children about firefighters and fire prevention over and over so by the time they reach second grade, it becomes old hat for them and they are not afraid of firefighters dressed in their protective gear,” Mahopac Falls firefighter Eric Behrendt said.
Mahopac students had the exciting opportunity to go inside either a firetruck, an ambulance or a fire prevention safety trailer at each school. Austin Road and Fulmar elementary school students will participate later this month. Thank you to all the local volunteer firefighters for taking the time to teach students about fire safety.
