RCS News

Coeymans Fire Department Brings Safety Lesson to PBC

(Oct. 22, 2012) The pumper truck parked outside Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary on Friday, Oct. 19, wasn't there to put out fires, but to bring a crew of fire fighters to the school for a firsthand lesson in fire safety and prevention as part of national fire prevention month.

Students learned about the importance of having a family emergency plan and a designated safe gathering place outside the house in case of a fire. They were tasked with reminding their families to check the batteries in their smoke detectors, learned about fire fighting equipment, tried on heavy fire helmets, practiced escape crawling, visited a fire truck and more.

The thought of a fire in your home is a scary one, but the best way to fight fires, and fear about them, is to be safe and be prepared with good knowledge of fire safety. 

Here are just a few of the important messages the Coeymans Fire Department shared with PBC:

Stay Safe and Be Prepared

• Know your way out of your house. Establish an escape plan and a safe, outside evacuation spot with your family.
• Check the batteries in your household smoke detectors regularly.
• Fire is not a toy. Never play with matches, lighters or other fire sources and stay away from fireplaces, candles and stoves. 

Know What to Do if the Smoke Alarm Goes Off

• If you hear the smoke alarm, don't wait. Get out and go to your family's safe spot.
•  Don't stop to grab toys or pets, call 911 or to check what's set the alarm off. Just stop what you're doing and go.
• If you are caught in a fire, stay low to the ground; crawl to the exit.
•  Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, don't open it. There could be fire on the other side.
•  A fire is a scary situation, but remember fire fighters are there to help you. If you're caught, don't hide, and don't be afraid of the fire fighter or his or her equipment. It is for your safety and theirs.

PBC thanks the Coeymans Fire Department for the visit, and for keeping us safe at school and at home!

[View The Full Photo Gallery of Coeymans Fire Department at PBC]