| The New Windsor Fire Department welcomed young visitors from Elmer A. Wolfe Elementary School and Celebree School of Westminster this week for Fire Prevention Week. The visits combined fire safety lessons with hands-on activities and a firsthand look at the work of their local firefighters.
Fire Prevention Week has been observed since 1922 during the October week that includes October 9. It commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused widespread destruction. Today, the observance focuses on teaching children and adults how to prevent fires and keep their families safe.
During their visits, the children toured the firehouse and watched a firefighter put on protective clothing and equipment. Seeing this transformation helps young children recognize that underneath the gear is a firefighter ready to help them during an emergency.
Students also learned about fire prevention in their own homes and actions they can take to help keep themselves and their families safe. A highlight of each visit was the opportunity to squirt a fire hose, giving the children a memorable, hands-on experience.
The visitors even witnessed firefighters respond to an emergency incident on each day the schools visited. These responses offered a firsthand look at how firefighters move from daily station activities to answering a call for help in the community.
The New Windsor Fire Department thanks the students, teachers, and staff from Elmer A. Wolfe Elementary School and Celebree School of Westminster for visiting. We enjoyed sharing our firehouse and helping our youngest neighbors build a foundation of fire safety knowledge.
Families are encouraged to continue these conversations at home by checking smoke alarms, reviewing their home escape plan, and choosing an outside meeting place. Practicing fire safety together helps turn the lessons learned during a station visit into habits that can last a lifetime. |
