October is the National Month for Fire Safety and Prevention. Recently, kindergarten students at Oak Ridge took a visit to Fire Station #18, just down the street from the school. First-graders at Crestview also had the opportunity to meet the firefighters from Fire Station #18 and get an up-close look at the fire trucks.   

During their visit to Fire Station #18, Oak Ridge students were introduced to important fire safety concepts including what to do in an emergency, how to develop a fire safety plan, and the importance of a designated meeting place. Kindergarten teacher Kayle Lytal shares the hands-on learning opportunities provided by the firefighters.  

“They taught the kids about fire safety, what to do if your home is on fire, and showed them the alarms that go off when they receive a call,” said Lytal. “They explained to the students that if they are ever in a fire that they don’t need to be scared and should trust the firefighter to help them.” 

Students also toured the fire station, learned about the equipment, and were shown how firefighters live and work at the station. 

“The students said, I liked seeing the firefighter's equipment, I liked seeing where they lived and slept, and I liked listening to them teach us”, said Lytal. “It is important for our students to learn about different jobs, because these students are our future,” said Lytal. “Even as early as 5, they need to know of options for their future and what skills they might need to possess to hold that job. They also need to know about fire safety, because even though they are still young, they need to know what they should do in case of an emergency.” 

In learning about how to respond to emergencies like fires, it will not only benefit the student, but those around them.  

“They have the ability to help themselves and others, if they are given the skills to do so,” said Lytal. “They need to know how to stay safe and keep others safe in case there is not an adult around to help them. Our job as educators is to help our students learn and to keep them safe, so teaching fire safety is essential.” 

At Crestview, first graders welcomed the firefighters from Station #18 as part of their fire safety unit. Throughout the week, students learned about fire safety practices, such as avoiding dangerous items like lighters and space heaters and creating escape plans with their families.  

First-grade teacher Saundra Wimberley shares that the visit from the firefighters helped bring the lessons to life.  

“First graders loved seeing the real thing and hearing the firefighters talk about their jobs,” said Wimberley. “They also helped the students know more about being safe as well as comforted them, saying that professionals were just a call away to help in case of a fire.” 

The students were introduced to the firefighters' equipment and uniforms by reinforcing important safety messages, with firefighters reminding students to get out quickly and call 9-1-1 from a safe location. 

“They demonstrated what firefighters would look and sound like while wearing their uniforms and masks, especially in the middle of a dark and scary fire,” said Wimberley. “These kind professionals assured the children that they would be there to rescue anyone during a fire.” 

Both schools’ visits provided students with vital fire safety knowledge while allowing them to interact with local firefighters, who serve as key community helpers.