Fire prevention presentation emphasizes student safety

Each year, members of the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) share their time and talents with our students during Fire Prevention Week, October 6 through 10. This year’s presentations were held on October 10.

Members brought four pieces of apparatus, including their newest truck, to the Meyersdale Elementary School to share a message of safety and awareness to students in Pre-K through second grade. Volunteers included two of our MAHS students, Lucas B. and Lucas H.

Mark Ferris, MVFD lieutenant and vice Ppresident, began the presentation by reminding students to follow the simple yet imperative rule of “get low and get out.”

“Please remember you need to get out as quickly as possible and stay low to the ground, heat and flames rise. And, once you are out of a burning house or building, you stay out, never go black in. Set up a meeting spot with your family and go to that spot.”

Ferris and his fellow members shared a demonstration of how important it is to keep doors for bedrooms closed as it serves as a barrier to keep the fire from spreading as quickly. Using a burned door, Ferris showed the children how fire and heat rises, further emphasizing the need to “get low and get out.”

To familiarize the children with the process of calling for emergency services, Ferris simulated a call to 911. This simulation allowed children to hear the questions that 911 dispatchers would ask and reminded students to know their addresses.

Recognizing how frightening an emergency situation could be, junior fireman Lucas B. put on all of his turn-out gear to show students what they could expect if a fire should break-out in their home.

“We look scary and our equipment is noisy but don’t hide from us or be afraid, we are here to help you.”

Ferris and Adam White, MVFD assistant chief and president, serve as co-chairs of the fire prevention programs. White is also a paid Johnstown fireman and Ferris is a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy local level instructor as well.

MVFD Chief Mike Miller said these school visits are both important for the students and impactful for his first responders. “We teach fire safety to the youth because it’s important that they know how to call 911; get out of a house to a safe place if something arises and not reenter a burning building; know when they are in a dangerous situation; and one of the most important things that they know not to hide from us. I know we’re pretty ugly in all our gear, but they need to understand that we are there to help them not hurt them,” Miller explained. “Families should practice fire safety at home, like when to call 911, exit to a safe place and not reenter a burning building, make sure everyone is accounted for!”

Miller said fostering a sense of safety and ease between his volunteers and the students is imperative should they find themselves in an emergency situation. “We love when people stop by the firehall and these types of events that allow us to introduce ourselves to kids. They need to know we are there to help them and keep them safe. We also need to teach them what they can do to help keep themselves safe.”

Chief Miller said in addition to the visits at MAES, he and his volunteers visited local daycare centers and local Amish schools to ensure ALL area children know and understand the importance of fire safety.

“We appreciate MVFD taking the time to educate students on fire safety,” added MAES Principal Devin Pritts. “MVFD’s presentation is interactive and impactful for our students and leaves a lasting impression. MASD appreciates everything the MVFD does to keep our community safe.”