Firefighters Promote Fire Safety at Dexter Community Schools

Students at in Dexter got a crash course in fire safety on Wednesday as part of a month-long educational tour by the .

"We like to go around to the schools at least once a year to coincide with National Fire Prevention Week," firefighter Lee Root said. "We try to hit up all the classes in kindergarten through sixth grade as well as the private daycares in the area."

Root said firefighters touch upon the importance of maintaining smoke detectors, how to plan escape routes in the home, firefighter equipment and how to properly use the 911 emergency system.

"It's always good to refresh some key points," Root said. "I'm a parent with three kids and I think it's important that everyone has some basic knowledge of what to do should they find themselves in an emergency."

He said it's also important to familiarize students with firefighter uniforms and equipment so they don't get scared.

"The equipment makes noises and looks funny to a child, and we don't want them to hide if we're coming into a burning structure to rescue them," he said. "That's why it's important to bring the equipment and let them interact with it at the school."

This year firefighters also included a smoke trailer to their arsenal, which includes a mock home kitchen with various hazards for students to identify. Smoke machines also simulate a fire in the home.

"The kids get a kick out of it and it's a good tool to teach with," Root said.

The Dexter Area Fire Department will next travel to on Nov. 1-2.