FIRE SAFETY TUTORIAL

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

The meeting room of the Copperas Cove Public Library filled with youngsters age five through 11 as they gathered to see local firefighters up close and hear safety tips in the case of fire. A group of Copperas Cove firefighters was headed up by Kris Hurst, who talked with the kids about what to do in case of a fire at their home.“What’s the first thing you need to do?” Hurst asked the kids. Most of them replied, “Get out.” Hurst told them it was important to have two ways to get out of a burning house, and together they talked about possible ways to leave the house. Also, he said it was important for their families to have a meeting place, and that it should be a safe place, such as by a tree in the yard. Another firefighter stood at the ready, with his personal protective equipment by his feet. At Hurst’s direction, he put on his gear. “During the day, we have 60 seconds to put our gear on,” Hurst told the children. “At night, we have 90 seconds.” Then, all suited up, the firefighter got down on his knees. Hurst then asked the children to approach the firefighter on their knees, and see his gear up-close. Sometimes the gear can look scary to younger children, and in the event of a fire, it’s important they listen to the rescue worker trying to help get them from the building. The kids heard the warning chime that soundswhen a firefighter’s oxygen level is about to run out, along with the alarm they can sound on their gear when they can’t find their way from a building. A few of the children thought his voice sounded like Darth Vader when he said, “Come to my voice,” but obeyed as they crawled on their hands and knees on the floor. The hands-on demonstration didn’t end there. All the children were given the chance to crawl through a darkened space, as if there were a fire, to show them how low they would need to be in order to escape a building. After that, the children were divided into two groups, and were able to go outside and see one of the fire trucks, along with all the rescue gear and supplies that are stored on the vehicle. Tuesday’s program was just of several the library is holding for children of different age groups as part of the summer reading program. In addition to attending the program, children could submit their reading logs and receive prizes for whichever level they’ve completed so far. Next Tuesday at 2 p.m., the kids will learn about recycling paper, Wednesday at 2 p.m. the teens will be quizzed on superhero trivia and play games, and on Thursday at 2 and 3:30 p.m., Wild Things Zoofari will have two performances.