October 29, 2005

Students review fire safety and prevention tips

Jim Watt, a volunteer with the Quaker Street Fire Department, explains the various fire and rescue equipment to third-grade students.

When emergency services personnel converged on Duanesburg Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 28, it wasn't to answer an emergency call, but to answer students' questions about fire prevention and safety.

As they have done each year, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from the three local volunteer fire departments visited each K-5 classroom to offer tips to students on staying safe during a fire or other emergency. Firefighters from the Duanesburg Volunteer Fire Department reviewed safety procedures and the number one rule of fire prevention: "Don't play with matches and lighters." 
EMT Barbara Watt explained that because the fire department is typically first on the scene of automobile accidents, she reminded students about the importance of buckling up. "We see a lot of serious injuries that could have been prevented had the person used their seatbelt," she said.

Assisted by her puppet pal, Geraldine, she also discussed the best ways to protect against cold and flu. "The students here always ask great questions," Watt said. "And they already seem to know quite a bit about fire prevention and safety, which is a credit to their parents." 
 

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