News : Fire Prevention Week 2020 Style

It's Fire Prevention Week at Tilford Elementary

Because of COVID and the precautions this year, fire prevention education took place outside the classroom at Tilford Elementary this year. The children were taught the usual fire precautions in education, but it looked a little differently.

The firemen of the local Vinton Fire Department dressed up in their gear so that the children could see what they look like should they encounter them during a fire. Children are sometimes afraid of the appearance and the sound that the equipment makes when the firemen are in their gear. Visiting the children helps familiarize the children in hopes that they are not afraid but to realize that help us on the way should they see a fireman at their home. The department teaches the usual "Stop, Drop and Roll," staying low under the smoke, having an exit plan in case of a fire in the home and also explaining to the children the importance of having a meeting place outside so that they can be found easily.

This year the department focused on fire safety in the kitchen. The department shared that cooking equipment causes 49% of all U.S. home fires, 21% of the home fire deaths, and 45% of the injuries, on average each year.

The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. The department shared several tips for preventing fires in the kitchen.

-If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home. Always stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.

-Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it's cool.

-Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

-Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

The department requests that parents discuss fire safety and what the children learned this week during fire safety. Be specific in your discussions explaining ways they can escape a fire. Two exits should be in each room. Explain to your children how to get out if they need to and where they should go once they are outside...explain that they should NEVER go back into the house once they are out.

One of the most important things is to teach your children how to call 911 and make sure they know their address. The department advises parents to teach, review and practice saying the address of your home with your children in the event they are the ones to make the call. Show them how to use your cell phone. Younger children aren't always sure about how to make that call. If your phone has an "Emergency" button, show them where it is.

A special thank you to our Fire Department for the work that they do year round. Thank you also for taking the time to teach our children this week!