In recognition of Fire Safety Week, students at Questar III BOCES’ George Washington School in Troy were greeted by firemen in their school’s gymnasium on October 12 to learn how to avoid fires and what to do in case a fire is started.
Principal Chris Martel introduces local firefighters and reminds students of the three “Be’s:” Be respectful, be in control and be ready to learn.
Firefighters from the Eagle Mills Fire District spoke to students about fire safety issues such as the dangers of lighters and matches; keeping clothes, dishrags and other materials away from the stove; testing smoke alarms; and knowing your address in case you need to call 9-1-1.
“Go out and stay out!” said Fireman Michael O’Brien, stressing the importance of staying outside if there’s a fire, and not going back in to rescue belongings or pets.
The topics discussed during the assembly were clearly review for many of these students, as evidenced by one student’s voluntary demonstration of “stop, drop and roll,” and countless other hands in the air patiently waiting to share their knowledge of fire safety. But fire safety isn’t the only idea students walked away with.
Students at George Washington School patiently wait their turn to sit in a fire truck during Fire Safety Week.
According to Principal Chris Martel, George Washington School invites the local fireman to the school each year to reinforce the idea of shared community values and responsibilities. “Obviously we want the kids to learn about fire safety but we also want them to understand the importance of community helpers,” said Martel.
Martel went on to explain that students at this K-8 special education school come from all over the area. Because they are so geographically scattered, they often lack the ties to a community that traditional schools have. “Building this sense of community is important because research shows students perform better when they have a connection to their school,” said Martel.
Students at George Washington School smile for the camera while hanging out on the Eagle Mills Fire District truck.
Students were shown how infrared cameras are used during rescues and even got the chance to get inside a real fire truck with the help of the local firefighters.
