Crime & Safety
Two Ways Out: Hazelwood Firefighters to Visit 14 Area Schools In October to Teach Fire Safety
Oct. 7 through 13 was officially declared "Fire Prevention Week" in Hazelwood, but the HFD is extending the celebration and education throughout the month of October.
After the Hazelwood City Council voted to approve the issuance of a proclamation that declared Oct. 7 throgh Oct. 13 “Fire Prevention Week” in the City of Hazelwood, local firefighters are taking their message to the schools, kicking off the tour with Russell Elementary last week.
“Hazelwood firefighters visited Russell Elementary School and taught the students important lessons about fire safety and fire escape planning through the use of their Safety Clubhouse, ‘House of Hazards’ classroom demonstrations, and tours of the City’s newest fire truck,” said Tim Davidson, communications coordinator for the city.
Davidson said that the department plans to visit 10 daycare centers and preschools, as well as two public and two private elementary schools during October.
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This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out!” which focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
“Our goal this year is to teach children, preschool through 6th grade, about the importance of helping their parents put together a fire escape plan that has two ways of getting out alive,” said Battalion Chief (BC) Randy Getz, HFD’s public information officer.
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He said that family members need to be prepared to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds.
“And, it’s important for them to know another way out in case the first escape route is blocked," Getz said. "The skill in doing this improves by practicing it over and over again.”
Getz noted that people feel safer when they’re at home, but that most fires occur at home and can disrupt this peaceful environment. The best way to make sure everyone survives this ordeal is for them to know exactly what they need to do to escape and find their way to safety, he said.
“For the younger kids, we teach them the ‘Stop, Drop, and Roll’ method in case their clothing catches on fire and we’re going to be showing them a video on the importance of escape planning,” Getz added.
Tomorrow: How Hazelwood Firefighters Will Teach Your Kids Life-Saving Lessons This Month