Fire Rescue reaches out to schools during Fire Prevention Week

Posted On: October 7, 2022

Get out and stay out!

It might sound like the title of a horror movie. But it’s actually advice from Volusia County Fire Rescue – flee a burning house as quickly as possible and don’t go back inside – that could save a life. And the advice comes just in time for Fire Prevention Week, which will be recognized this year from Oct. 9-15.

In Volusia County, the county’s Fire Rescue Division will mark the annual event with visits to seven local schools, an educational display in DeLand, and the return of Fire Rescue’s popular virtual classroom that delivers safety information to children in a fun and engaging way. Naturally, fire safety is important for people of all ages. But part of the goal of Fire Prevention Week, according to Volusia County’s Interim Fire Chief, Joe King, is to instill good safety practices in young people so that they stick with them forever.

“We really look forward to Fire Prevention Week every year,” said Chief King. “It’s a great way for our fire personnel to connect with residents and bring our safety message into the community. Being prepared and knowing what to do and how to protect yourself and your family in a fire is vitally important. That’s what Fire Prevention Week is all about.”

Now in its third year, Fire Rescue’s virtual classroom was initially launched as a way to provide online fire safety tools and instruction during a time when the pandemic largely shut down in-person events. It proved to be a popular outlet that contains a variety of videos, children’s books and games – all with fire safety themes. For instance, there are videos designed to educate children about fire alarms; the stop, drop and roll technique; making a home fire escape plan; and how and when to dial 911. Many of the videos feature the lovable children’s character, Sparky the fire dog. The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is: Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.

Families are encouraged to plan their escape with their children and designate a safe meeting place for all family members to meet outside their home. This information and much more is available at www.fpw.org

This year’s Fire Prevention Week events won’t be just virtual. Volusia County firefighters will be discussing fire safety with students at Osteen Elementary School on Monday, Samsula Academy on Tuesday, Ivy Hawn Charter School in Lake Helen on Wednesday, and Space Coast Christian Academy in New Smyrna Beach on Thursday. Fire Rescue also will have a table with fire safety information for children and adults in the rotunda of the county’s Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center on West Indiana Avenue in DeLand.

Residents also are invited to stop in at any one of the county’s fire stations for a visit and to pick up fire safety and prevention materials.

“Public protection really is a partnership with the community,” said Chief King. “Working together to reinforce precautionary practices is the best way to keep our residents safe.”

Virtual classroom link: https://tinyurl.com/59wx87c4