Fire Safety House Offers Fire Safety Education and Awareness to 3rd Graders at Saint James School

    A mobile Fire Safety House, a burn-prevention education vehicle from Community Medical Center in Toms River, a satellite program of the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas, arrived at Saint James to educate the 3^rd grade students on fire safety and burn prevention. 

    This Fire Safety House is a teaching mobile laboratory which prepares all ages for the unexpected occurrence of fire through the use of several real-life simulations. The mobile trailer is an actual structure where participants will learn about home fire safety in a realistic setting. There is a kitchen, living room and a bedroom. The house is equipped with many devices that help teach a variety of fire safety concepts. A fog machine which generates simulated non-toxic smoke allows children to practice "crawling low" in a fire situation. A heated doorknob impresses upon children the need to feel closed doors to determine a safe route out. A log-lit fireplace in the living room reminds participants of the many mishaps that can occur around an open flame. An escape ladder is used to demonstrate exiting from a bedroom window. A fully-equipped kitchen, 911 phone system and various other safety-related devices are built into the house.

   Mr. William Hawley, an experienced volunteer, conducted the demonstrations to all 36 third grades students in small groups. Some of the life-saving procedures Mr. Hawley taught are:

• How to crawl under smoke
• Prepare families for a home escape plan
• How to feel a door before opening it
• How to use a fire escape ladder
• Stop Drop and Roll
• What a smoke detector sounds like
•  How to call 9-1-1

According to several students the demonstration was “awesome”, “it rocks”, and “really cool.”

Catherine said “She was going home and tell her parents to check their smoke alarm batteries to make sure they were working properly.”

Jack responded, “That he learned never to play with matches, lighters or fireworks.”

Corbett added, “If you catch on fire you must remember to Stop, Drop and Cover your face and keep rolling.”

     The Fire Safety House was purchased through the generosity of the Sandy Hook Friends of the Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation and Ed Segall owner of the Sea Gulls Nest, Sandy Hook.  Mr. Segall, a former patient of The Burn Center, who sustained second- and third-degree burns over one-third of his body when a 100-pound propane tank exploded at his concession stand at a festival in Sandy Hook back in 1991. Wanting to show his appreciation to The Burn Center they purchased the 14 year old program a new and larger truck and simulation trailer to enhance education and expand the program to all ages.