Larson Students Learn of Fire Safety, Prevention

HARRISON – Second- and third-grade students at Larson Elementary School had some special visitors drop by Friday, Sept. 29 to read to them and help them understand the importance of fire safety.

State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer and Lansing Fire Marshal Mauricio Barrera were accompanied by Harrison Fire Chief Chris Damvelt as they read some special stories dealing with fire safety and what kids (and adults) should do when there is a fire. The first book was “No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons)” with its storyline of a girl who invites a dragon to tea. All goes well until the dragon tries one of the girl’s favorite treats: a pickle sprinkled with pepper. Apparently, dragons are not immune to the typical response to accidentally sniffing up pepper. The resultant sneeze sent fire where it should not be – and then it was on! The examples provided in the book for what NOT to do when there is a fire were presented in detail and with age-appropriate reasoning: Don’t hide, get out! Don’t ever go back into a burning building!

As Sehlmeyer read the stories, his companions held up the books so children could see the illustrations.

The second story was populated by a trio of characters known as the Home Fire Safety Patrol who provided more detailed information that all children should be given. There was discussion of how many smoke alarms should be in every home, where they should be located, how to maintain them, and what different sounds indicate, i.e., low battery, if the alarm is outdated, and of course the screech indicating smoke has been detected and it’s time to evacuate.

Sehlmeyer informed the children that if they did not have a smoke detector/alarm in their home, they should tell their teacher and one could be provided through the state/via Chief Damvelt at no cost.

Damvelt told the Cleaver that the Fire Marshal travels to schools all across the state to give such talks to children, giving them a better chance to understand the dangers of fire, as well as some specific actions they can follow to keep themselves and their families safe.

This talk at Larson Elementary marked the beginning of October as Fire Prevention Month, as well as Fire Prevention Week which is Oct. 8-14. The theme this year is “Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention!”

Guess this means no dragons in the kitchen either… © Clare County Cleaver