FIRE SAFETY … Members of the Metamora – Amboy Fire Department and students from the Evergreen Elementary stand in front of Engine 509 after the Fire Safety Day. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Metamora-Amboy Fire Department held a fire safety day with students at the Evergreen Elementary school on Thursday September 30th. Evergreen first graders and preschoolers were brought outside for a meet and greet with the firefighters and EMT’s.
Students were shown the important of many things such as Stop, Drop, and Roll, and not hiding from firefighters. They were also taught to not go back into the house for pets, how to get out of the house and what a smoke detector sounds like.
Students were able to check out all of the different gear held on the fire trucks and ambulances and even had the opportunity to get inside the fire truck.
Firefighters put on their gear to show the kids what they look like and to not be afraid of them. They also let kids hold and try on a fire helmet to see how heavy it was.
Students had many questions including how water is brought from the trucks or the hydrant up to the house. In order to answer that question in the best way possible, a fire house and fake house were brought out.
Students were able to spray water from one of the fire hoses at the fake house to simulate a fire attack. There were many questions about ambulances too with one of the teachers being placed on a backboard and lifted up to show everyone how it is done.
In the end, around 120 to 140 students were educated from the fire department. Metamora’s Chief Jessica Geer stated, “All in all, it was a good day!”
Students were excited and happy to meet the firefighters. Students were also given a bag with treats inside such as a pencil and a light before heading back inside to finish class for the day.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com