The Safety Fair rocked!

What happens when there's a wreck? The Safety Fair had a pretend wreck so people could practice what to do......photo by Tamara Weaver

A couple of weeks ago, the Fire Department put on this year’s Safety Fair, and it was awesome! But it didn’t stop there – emergency folks gave presentations & lessons at the elementary school the week afterwards. Here’s more from Update reporter Tamara Weaver:

One of the main organizers of the event was the always cheerful Carolyn Hudson...photo by Tamara Weaver

Some fun pics from Sunday’s safety fair, a couple of weeks ago!

Last week, kids from kindergarten through sixth grade will be learning fire safety in their classrooms.  Here’s the scoop:

Kindergartners found themselves “building a firefighter,” to help youngsters feel more comfortable with rescue personnel in full garb.  No, that’s not Darth Vader coming to get you…

First graders practiced when to Stop! Drop! And, Roll!  Only when you’re on fire, not the house!

Second graders learned when it’s appropriate to call 9-1-1.  A special phone line is rigged to the Sheriff’s dispatch for realistic practice. Do you know your address?

Lainey Volk (director of outreach & education) gives presentations for the Safety Fair....photo by Tamara Weaver

Third graders experienced “The Smoke House,” a plywood room with gym mats, where the kids learn what to do if their smoke detector goes off at home.  The room is dark inside when the alarm goes off, while a smoke machine makes smoke behind one of the two doors.   Kids need to know “What are your two exits?”  “Where is your family’s meeting place?”  “Is there anyone left in the building?”  And kids are encouraged to draw a map of their exits at home and practice these drills with their families.

Fourth graders learned how to extinguish a simulated grease fire by putting on their kitchen mitts and smothering the fire with a lid. Remember, if the fire’s too hot to get that close to, forget it!  Call 9-1-1 and get out safely!

Fifth graders get to use the cool fire simulator to learn to “P.A.S.S.” a fire extinguisher.  That’s: Pull (the safety ring off), Aim (toward the base of the fire), Spray (the base of the fire) and Sweep (left and right until fire is extinguished!)

Stella & Alden hand in their work....photo by Tamara Weaver

And, Robin DeLaZerda of the Sheriff’s Dispatch checked in with sixth graders about how to call for help on a cell phone. Peter Risser mentioned that, depending on which cell phone tower you get when dialing 9-1-1, you may be talking with a dispatcher in Victoria, Vancouver, Anacortes or Bellingham! Learn how to reach your local emergency response team!

Nine-year-old Lili Light is dressed & ready to put out fires! Peter (top right) and Susan Risser (bottom right) have been part of the Safety Fair for years, and are a big part of its ongoing success....photos by Tamara Weaver

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