Preschoolers in the St. Pat’s Gingerbread House program learned some first lessons in fire trucks and firefighting gear Friday morning as part of the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week.
Members of the Perry Volunteer Fire Department gave some basic instruction to the St. Pat’s students, starting with an indoor introduction to the firefighting suit and air pack that firefighters wear.
The youngsters moved outdoors for instruction about the PVFD’s ladder truck, including hoses and nozzles and pumps and pickaxes, with everyone getting a chance to climb up and sit in the truck.
Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week, and U.S. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance in 1925.
During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began Oct. 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage.
