To help provide education on fire prevention, the Cedar Falls Public Safety Department visited several area elementary schools this week to discuss emergency planning and practicing.
The visits were scheduled during National Fire Prevention Week, October 6 – 12, 2019, and included Southdale, Hansen, Lincoln, North Cedar, and Aldrich elementary schools. St. Patrick Catholic School and Valley Lutheran School also participated.
“It is important to meet with young students so they can not only learn about fire prevention practices but also so they can become an advocate for their family’s safety,” said Cedar Falls Fire Chief John Bostwick. “We enjoy speaking with the kids and having them go home, excited about how they can help keep their families safe. This can be by suggesting that the family practice their home escape plan, or speaking with their parents about keeping smoke detectors up to date.”
Members of the Public Safety team spoke with the students about how they can help prevent fires, what to do in case of emergency, and the importance of proper planning.
“You will hear the term ‘plan your escape’ a lot when it comes to fire safety,” said Chief Bostwick. “We want families to understand the importance of creating an escape route in their home and also practicing it regularly. This includes identifying a meeting space outside of the home for the family to gather in the event of a fire.”
Students were also invited to participate in the Fire Prevention poster contest. Schools distributed brown paper shopping bags from Cedar Falls Hy-Vee to their students. They are encouraged to decorate the bag, showcasing fire safety, and return them to the Cedar Falls Public Safety Building by October 19. The Hearst Center for the Arts will assist with judging the posters and the bags will be redistributed to Hy-Vee for store use.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and how your family can stay safe, visit fpw.org.