Students at Hunter Elementary spent part of their morning on Wednesday learning some important safety tips that could save their lives during an emergency.
Firefighters with the Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Carter County Rescue Squad visited the school Wednesday as part of Fire Safety Week.
“We do this every year in October,” SCVFD Assistant Chief Jason Smith said.
As part of the program, firefighters spoke to students in the Head Start program, Kindergarten and first and second grade about the importance of having smoke detectors in their homes and making sure the batteries are working.
Firefighters also demonstrated what they look like when they have their gear on because the outfits could appear frightening to children who have never seen them.
“He’s still the same guy he was before he put the gear on,” Chance Boling told students as his fellow firefighter Doug Stevens showed students his gear, helmet and mask. “There is nothing to be afraid of; he’s here to help you.”
As part of the day’s events, the students watched a fire safety video featuring popular Disney characters Timon and Pumba from the Lion King. After the video, students got the opportunity to see some fire trucks and a rescue truck up close and personal.
Firefighters along with the member of the Carter County Rescue Squad explained all the different equipment firefighters and paramedics use to help people and to fight fires.
The children also got the chance to have a little fun as the firefighters, demonstrating the fire hoses and letting the kids take turns trying spraying water.
Each year fire departments across the nation remind residents to make sure and have smoke alarms in their homes and to make sure the batteries are changed at least twice a year. Many departments recommend changing the batteries with the time changes in the Spring and Fall as a way of remembering to keep fresh batteries in place.
Residents who do not have smoke alarms can contact their local fire department to get one, Smith said. In Stoney Creek, call the Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department at 423-474-2001. If there is no answer, Smith asks that callers leave a message with their name and telephone number so someone with the department can get back in touch.