On October 5th, Ridge VFD started Fire Prevention Week 2021 off by visiting St. Michael’s School in Ridge. The goal was to teach the students about the sounds of fire safety. Ridge VFD Fire Prevention educators shared fire prevention and safety tips using our Fire Prevention Mobile Classroom (a.k.a., smoke trailer), and provided a walk-around of our Command Unit and some fire turn-out gear.

The students, Pre-K through 3rd grade, were taught about the differences between smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and different sounds they make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a three beeps for a smoke alarm and four beeps for a CO alarm – you must take action. The students were also taught about the chirp sound the alarms make when the batteries need to be changed.

The students were also taught the importance of staying low to the ground when there is smoke in the home, sleeping with their bedroom doors closed (Close Before You Dose), how to check a room door for heat/high temperatures, and how to escape from a bedroom window equipped with a safety ladder. They really enjoyed getting to crawl on the ground and climb out the window! After the mobile classroom lesson, the students were given an up-close explanation of the Chief’s car, Command 4. Educators displayed equipment and gear from the various compartments. Following the sessions, each student was given a goodie bag full of safety information, coloring/activity books, and stickers.

Ridge VFD wants to thank the staff and students from St. Michael’s School for allowing us to come by and share some fire safety information!