Story and Photos By Lisa Carolin
Sitting in the driver’s seat of a fire truck may very well be the most memorable part of Fire Prevention Week for many of the children who participated.
Firefighters from the Chelsea Area Fire Authority visited several schools this week to teach kids the basics of fire prevention.
“With the younger children, we don’t always cover everything,” said Augustine Syrovy, a captain with the Chelsea Area Fire Authority. “With them ,it’s important for us to try to minimize any fears they have of us when we are fully dressed in our turnout gear.”
Before the firefighters arrived, the 3 and 4 year olds from the Chelsea Early Childhood Center had stories read to them about the fire department.
“Having the firefighters here teaches the kids that the firefighters are friendly and helpful,” said assistant teacher Michele Mullens, while her students had the chance to explore a fire truck.
Captain Chris Smyth helped kids in and out of the driver’s seat.
“We’re teaching the children not to play with matches, lighters and candles and how to practice fire drills at home,” said Smyth. “They look up to firefighters at this age and remember us coming from year to year.”
Children had a chance to see what the firefighters looked like with and without their gear. They also learned about calling 911 in case of an emergency.
In addition, firefighters taught students to stop, drop, cover their faces, and roll if they are in a fire as well as staying low, checking doors, and staying in a meeting place if there is a fire in their house.
Children 12 years and under received a page for a Color and Craft contest sponsored by the Chelsea Fire Fighters Local 1889. And, entries can be submitted at the fire station’s open house on Sunday, Oct. 19 from noon-4 p.m. at 200 W. Middle St.
