- 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 December 13th fundraising event held by WKZO AM 590 radio and Lori Moore’s Potluck Pals at the Texas Corners Ace Hardware in Texas Township, Kalamazoo County Michigan. 100% of the proceeds from this event ($5,100.00) went directly to E.S.C.A.P.E., Inc. to benefit West Michigan families. Certified Public Fire & Life Safety Educators from E.S.C.A.P.E. will be able to continue teaching fire & life safety, CPR, first aid, ice & cold water safety as well as distributing and/or installing free smoke alarms to those in need.
The proceeds raised at this event will also be used to cover the rapidly increasing fuel, maintenance and other expenses required to operate the E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety Trailer, a 27 foot trailer decorated like a kids bedroom, used to teach children and adults the importance of having working smoke alarms, knowing two ways out of any room, developing and practicing a home escape plan and having a meeting place once outside their burning home.
Since 1995, E.S.C.A.P.E. has taught over 140,000 children and adults (including senior citizens) techniques in keeping their families safe from fires, including the importance of having working smoke alarms, home hazard awareness, and how to develop and practice a home escape plan. To date, twenty people (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!
Thank you for your generous support!
WKZO AM 590 Radio
Lori Moore, Lauri Wingle & Seth Harp
Texas Corners Hardware LLC
Fabricated Steel Service – Portage – $500.00
Landscape Designworks, Inc. – Plainwell
Scott Equipment – Kalamazoo
David & Linda Stafford – Kalamazoo – $250.00
Tom & Martha Flinn – Massachusetts – $150.00
Roger & Dorothy DeYoung – Kalamazoo – $125.00
Susan L. Sonnevil – Parchment – $100.00
Barry County Fair – Hastings
Bellevue Community Fire Department – Bellevue
Childcare Resources – Kalamazoo
College View Dental – Battle Creek
Consumers Credit Union – Kalamazoo
The employees of the Eaton Corporation Aerospace Division
Fremont Fire Department – Fremont
Gemtron Corporation – Holland
IPC Print Services – Saint Joseph
Jumpstart Childcare Center – Battle Creek
Little Tykes Learning Center – Portage
Milestone Educare – Portage
Olivet Fire/Rescue – Olivet
Plainwell Chamber of Commerce – Plainwell
Texas Township Fire/Rescue
The Wentworth House Preschool – Battle Creek
Henry & Bonnie Bonnes – Kalamazoo
Paul & Mary Bontrager – Centreville
William & Virginia Campbell – Middleville (Kentwood Community Church)
Jean & John Compere – Kalamazoo
James F. Holtgreive, D.D.S. – Kalamazoo
C.J. Maxa – Scotts
Rollin & Ruthellen McCurley – Kalamazoo
Marie E. McLeieer – Kalamazoo
Marc & Barbara Perkovic – Kalamazoo
Rebecca & Todd Russcher – Kalamazoo
Marilyn Sandmeyer – Kalamazoo
Charlotte H. Sonnevil – Kalamazoo
Frank & Carylle Springer – Portage
Mary L. Stevens – Portage
Thomas & Nancy Stryd – Kalamazoo
Robin & Ralph Zablocki
- Our friends from the Texas Township Fire Department demonstrate their Fire Engine to the children & adults who attended our fundraising event.
- The E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety Trailer was onsite to demonstrate smoke and fire conditions using a non toxic theatrical fog.
- We are extremely grateful to Lori Moore and her Potluck Pals, including Seth Harp, the Texas Corners Ace Hardware staff and the WKZO listeners for your generous support of the E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire & Life Safety programs. With your support, we were able to exceed our fundraising goal of $5,000.
- Seth Harp and Lori Moore turn over $5,100 to the E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire & Life Safety Programs, at the Texas Corners Ace Hardware. Also pictured (left to right) are Michael McLeieer, President of E.S.C.A.P.E., Inc., and Kraig McCauley, owner of the Texas Corners Ace Hardware.
- Seth Harp, Lori Moore & Michael McLeieer pose for a picture before going on air to tell the listeners how much money had been raised so far half way through the fundraising event.
- WKZO AM 590's Seth Harp, Lori Moore and E.S.C.A.P.E.'s President & Founder Michael McLeieer are ready to sell the Blabber Girl Baking Edition of the Holiday Dish to Pass Cookbook for $5.00 each.
