The time-honored concept of learning while doing is being employed by the Springfield Township Fire Department in their fire prevention efforts.
A fire safety house was a main attraction at area schools last week, with children learning how to escape from a burning building and how to practice home fire escape plans.
Oct. 5-11 was national Fire Prevention Week, always scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
Firefighters Jon Miner and Alex Kellner said they enjoy the annual encounter with kids, but it was extra fun this year with the addition of the fire safety house, a camper trailer modified to simulate a two-story house.
After Kellner gave a talk on home fire safety, he activated a special non-toxic smoke to show children how smoke tends to rise — which is why crawling on hands and knees is the recommended way to escape from a burning building.
After the great “escape,” Miner talked to the children about home smoke detectors and answered questions.
The unit was purchased used from the Troy Fire Department with funds raised by the firefighters themselves and has been a big hit. Miner said some children have asked if they could go through the exercise again.
“It’s an awesome tool,” Kellner said. “Usually you show a video and do a lecture. Kids really get to experience it first hand.”
It has been used at activities such as the Oakland County 4-H Fair, and firefighters hope to take it to various business sites as well throughout the year.
When necessary, the crews will don their turnout gear to show children there is nothing to fear from the strangely dressed rescuers in an emergency. On the other hand, the regular school visits have bred some familiarity. Kellner, for example, has made the safety presentation for six years.
“When we introduced ourselves, most of the kids recognized us from last year,” said Kellner, whose children have attended Davisburg Elementary. “The sense of community helps out a lot.”
Kellner, who serves as hazardous materials response coordinator for the fire department, said the fire prevention visits require an extra commitment from the paid-on-call firefighters, but it is worth it.
The proof of lives saved has been documented at least once. Miner said the department last year responded to a house fire in which a student led everyone out safely.
“When we got there, Alex had asked her, ‘How did you know to get everybody out?’” Miner said. “She said, ‘I remember you telling us to do it in the classroom.’”
“She knew my name,” Kellner said with a chuckle. “I didn’t recognize her, but it was really cool because it proved to us that what we’re doing is the right thing.”