Berlin Elementary Students Learn About Fire Prevention
By Doug La Rocque
In a fire, “Every Second Counts”. That is the theme of Fire Prevention Week this year, with students encouraged to draw a map of their homes, with “two ways out.” With all that in mind, students at Berlin Elementary gathered outside the school last Wednesday, October 11, to learn more ways to prevent fires and stay safe, with the help of the fire departments from the four towns that encompass the school district. Those being Berlin, Grafton, Petersburgh and Stephentown.
Department. Photo courtesy of Tracy Kent
The volunteers became very hands on with the children, showing them the equipment, letting them try some of pieces, and even don some of the fire fighting turn out gear. In Grafton, the town’s Historical Society has re-designed the display case inside town hall, to highlight fire prevention. Their literature notes President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week on October 4, 1925. The theme for this year has been, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”
Look up the NFPA which is the National Fire Prevention Protection Association for information on Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, the Peshtigo Fire of October 8, 1871 and the prevention week themes since the 1927. The display case has items on loan from the fire company. Consider this and other ways to give back to your community.