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Fire Prevention Week activities focus on children

Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

COLUMBIA COUNTY — In the midst of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5 through Oct. 11) local fire companies are getting the word out to students and others about preventing home fires.

The National Fire Protection Association has sponsored a fire prevention campaign each October since 1922. This year’s theme is preventing home fires.

According to the NFPA eight out of 10 people killed in a fire In the United States die in blazes that take place at home.

Taconic Hills Elementary School had a fire prevention event Oct. 3, which included the participation of several area fire companies.

The elementary students, including pre-K and Head Start, spoke with firefighters, received demonstrations about fire equipment and safety and were taught how to call 911 during an emergency.

Students who had permission from their parents were allowed to go into a mobile safety house that simulated what it’s like to escape from a smoke-filled residence.

This Saturday the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s Museum of Firefighting is holding its second annual Dalmatian Day. According to the museum’s director, Jamie Smith, the event is tied in with Fire Prevention Week.

“It’s about fire safety and prevention,” she said.

The event includes puppet shows, a magician and crafts that all relate to fire safety. And of course, said Smith, there will be Dalmatians on hand.

“There will also be an arson dog,” she said. A dog handler will be there as well to explain how the animal is used in arson investigations.

According to Smith teaching children about fire safety is “very important.”

Smith said that children between ages two and seven are particularly vulnerable to setting accidental fires and need to be educated on its dangers.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency there were an estimated 13,900 child-play structure fires reported in 2002, with 210 deaths, 1,250 injuries, and $339 million in direct damage.

The Hudson Fire Department will visit John L. Edwards School next Wednesday to talk with students about fire safety.

“The fire department will be here from 8:45 to 11 [a.m],” said Principal Carol Gans. “They’re doing a program for the kids and then taking them out to see the fire trucks.”

Gans said the firefighters will discuss fire safety with the students.

The Mary E. Dardess Elementary School In Chatham plans to have members of the Chatham Fire Company speak to its students Oct. 17.

The firefighters will demonstrate their equipment and discuss fire safety issues with the children.

According to the NFPA there are some simple steps the public can take to protect themselves and their homes.

n Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

n Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

n Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

To reach reporter Andrew Amelinckx please call 518-828-1616, ext. 2267, or e-mail aamelinckx@registerstar.com.

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