Today we had a special visit from Ellie's dad who is a firefighter for Los Angeles County! Firefighters are men and women who rescue people and save property. His name was Jamie.
The special helmet not only protects Ellie's dad, but provides information about what station he is from.
Firefighters need to respond quickly when they receive a 911 call. They
set up their equipment so they can jump right into it. Notice the boots
look like they are lace-ups, but they are not. The are zippered!
Ellie's dad said they practice many emergency responses. One thing they practice is to get dressed in less than a minute.
Start the clock!
Firefighters need to solve lots of
problems when they respond to an emergency. They have gear in all of
their pockets, special breathing apparatus, flame resistant clothing,
tools for shutting off gas lines, and much more. Does anyone remember
what other tools he had in his pockets?
Part of his equipment included a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS). If
ever a firefighter stops moving for 20 seconds, the PASS starts an
alert so a firefighter who is in trouble can get rescued.
Jamie informed the students that if they are ever trapped in a
house with smoke, get down low and crawl to an escape. Because smoke rises, it is easier to see and breath if you are down low.
Talk with your family about how to respond if your house is on fire. Where is your emergency family meeting place?
Dressed in all
their gear, firefighters can be scary to see when you are already
afraid. However, he said if you are in a fire, don't hide from a
firefighter, they are there to help! Here is Ellie's dad rescuing a young girl.
Beverly was very interested in the fire safety information. She stayed awake the entire time!
Because she was such a good listener, she got to pretend she was a firefighter!
Who is that new volunteer firefighter?
After the presentation, several students stayed after to become junior firefighters!
Important safety tips:
1. Never play with matches.
2. If you are on fire, do not run. Cover your face and STOP, DROP, and ROLL! That will smother, or put out, the fire.
3. Talk with your family about fire safety. HAVE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN. How do you escape and where is your family meeting area outside? Don't just talk about it, PRACTICE the plan like the school fire drills.
4. If you are in a smoky environment remember to get low, it will be easier to see and breath.
Do you have any questions for firefighter Jamie?
Have you ever been in an emergency situation and were helped by a firefighter?
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