- Our preschool visits include our very popular "Tools vs. Toys" program. The firefighter sits on the floor with the students and removes various items out of a special box. This box contains items that are "ok" for children to use & play with, but also includes "tools" that should only be used by a grownup. This interactive program allows the children to decide for themselves what is a "tool" and what is a "toy" by placing each item in one of two piles.
- Our compassionate and certified volunteers are always willing to assist our friends and neighbors. Notice the firefighter assisting this senior citizen to make her feel more comfortable in the use of a fire extinguisher. Our Senior Safety program not only includes fire safety, but also hazard recognition in the home to prevent slip and falls, burns, and other injuries. These programs are great for Senior Centers or Council on Aging gatherings.
- Our successful Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program teaches teamwork, decisionmaking, and gives the students an appreciation of the roll the firefighter plays through a "hands on" approach. Students soon appreciate at the end of the course the difficult and dangerous job the firefighter has.
- Students listen carefully and are eager to participant when the firefighter asks questions.
- The firefighter demonstrates how to properly extinguish a small fire. Participants are also taught the different classes of fires and how to select the proper fire extinguisher.
- Students learn how to "fall and crawl" under the smoke and ESCAPE outside from the fire. Through the use of our specially equipped fire & life safety trailer, participants are able to see simulated non-toxic smoke, how it rises to the ceiling and the importance of staying low under the smoke.
- Students are learning what a firefighter looks like in the special clothing used to fight a fire. The firefighter will dress in front of the children and the children are taught not to be afraid of their friend, the firefighter.
- The firefighter demonstrates "Stop, Drop & Roll". This technique is used if the student's clothing were to catch on fire.
- By using a burn pan outdoors, participants are able to see how quickly a fire can grow in size. They are also shown the reasons why water should never be used to extinguish a grease or oil fire.
The following photos were taken during the various Fire & Life Safety Programs which our volunteers have presented. Annually, we educate thousands of school aged children, senior citizens, daycare providers, civic groups, company employees, parents and other interested parties, about the dangers of fire and how to prepare their family and themselves in case of a fire. Some of our other courses teach the skills to perform CPR, Basic First Aid or how to use an A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrillator). Our “hands on” approach and visual demonstrations allow participants to better understand what to do in an emergency situation. To maintain quality & a consistant delivery, the programs are delivered by Certified Firefighters and EMT’s who are also Public Fire & Life Safety Educators.
Since 1995, ten children (that we know of) have saved their families from a fire or other life threatening emergency after participating in a Fire & Life Safety course from E.S.C.A.P.E. Remember, you are never too young or too old to learn about fire and life safety!