'Fire Safety House' Parks at McKinley

Abington Township Fire Department (ATFD) firefighters visited third-graders at McKinley Elementary School in May to pass along valuable fire safety tips, and to show students the apparatus and gear that firefighters use to keep the community safe.

Using the ATFD’s Fire Safety House, a trailer that is outfitted with a kitchen, living room and bedroom, ATFD firefighters taught students to avoid the many hazards that can cause fires in the home. Students learned that simple acts like making sure flammable materials are kept away from stove burners and fireplaces, and turning pot handles so they cannot be bumped by someone passing the stove, can help keep a family safe.

In addition to these lessons, students in the Fire Safety House practiced staying low in a smoke-filled room, exiting from a window using a ladder, and dialing 9-1-1 for help.

Student Emily Friel said she was surprised to learn that if someone is trapped inside a room due to a fire, it is smart to throw a stuffed animal or blanket out the window so that firefighters know where to go first when they arrive.

“I think it’s important because if you have a fire at your house, you know what to do and you can get out,” she said.

Classmate Natalie Faye agreed.

"You never know when you might have a fire. You have to be prepared at any time," she said.

In addition to teaching children fire safety rules, McKinley Fire Co. Chief Chris Bors showed students the gear that firefighters put on before heading out to an emergency, and taught them about the features of one of the company's fire engines.

Students were surprised to see how heavy the air tanks are, and asked questions about the "accountability tags" that firefighters wear to aid in their own protection at emergency scenes.

The ATFD is committed to fire safety education and makes many visits throughout the school year to public, private and parochial schools in Abington Township to teach children how to prevent or escape from fires. The ATFD headquarters is located at 1176 Old York Road, Abington. For more information, call 267-536-1055 or visit AbingtonFD.org.

Information and photos courtesy of Jessica Lester/Abington Township Fire Department