Johnston Fire Department Reminds Students, Community of Fire Prevention Strategies

Fire prevention and preparation are tasks families deal with throughout the year.

In October, fire stations across the country dedicate time to educating students, families and community members about the important of having a fire plan mapped out.

Fire prevention month, or week, coincides with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, said Jim Krohse.

"It's nationwide, usually the week of Oct. 9," he said. "That the Great Chicago Fire they realized the need to develop fire codes."

This year during the week of Oct. 10, the Johnston Fire Department met with several classes, community groups and clubs to discuss fire safety.

"We predominantly go to schools and educate students," he said. "The firefighters either go to schools or the groups come to the station. It's the greatest opportunity to do the stop, drop and roll."

Students also learn EDITH, Exit Drills In The Home.

"We teach the students, then they go home and teach their parents," Krohse said.

A few tips Krohse shared after the week were:

• Make sure you have a smoke detector on every level of your home
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors once a year
• Hard wire detectors, found in many newer homes, need to be replaced about every 10 years.