Learning fire safety

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Teaching kids early about first responders and how to react to a fire is important because we never know what could happen.

“In my opinion, it’s the best form of fire prevention there is, is teaching the kids how not to start fires and how to be safe. So, I think it’s the best tool we got in our box is education,” Lake Crystal Fire Department volunteer Gary Reed said.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota along with many volunteers and first responders set up vehicles, demonstrations and simulations to teach kids what fire rescue looks like and how to respond to a fire.

“It just creates a great learning environment with a hands-on experience and experiential experience for all children to really make sure they’re getting the tools to be successful in case they are in an emergency,” CMSM vice president of development Jaci Sprague said.

And the event isn’t just for kids.

“I think that it’s important for all ages to just have more exposure and just really get to know their community members who are working in that line of work,” CMSM director of programming Rachel Gemlo said.

The kids have a bunch of fun exploring the vehicles, talking with the responders and watching some of the demonstrations such as firefighters suiting up.

“We don’t want the kids to be scared. Dating myself a little bit, we, when we get all packed up, we sound like Darth Vader a little bit,” Reed said.

And after having kids explore the different aspects of fire safety, it’s a good time to introduce a fire safety plan to them.

“Once you get out of the house, have a spot where you meet, whether you’re in a country, you meet at a mailbox or you got a tree or a neighbor’s fence teaching the kids not to go back in after their pet,” Reed said.

And one of the most important lessons you can teach about fire safety is to get out when they see a fire and call 911.

“If there is somebody in there or something in there, let the fire department know, we’ll find it for them,” Reed said.

Always make sure you have a fire safety plan and that your kids know what it is. Check your fire alarms to make sure they are working and don’t forget to have fire safety equipment such a fire extinguisher nearby.

Click here to download the KEYC News Now app or our KEYC First Alert weather app.