The RisingOaks | Oak Creek Preschool 1 room had a visit from educator Erin's dad, Deputy Chief Wilhelm, from the Walkerton Fire Department. Due to some unexpected fire alarms earlier in the year, a few of the children have become quite nervous during planned fire drills. It was important to the educators to have the children feel comfortable during these times and to be able to fully participate when they are practiced. So, Erin asked her dad to come into the classroom to talk about the importance of smoke detectors and what everyone should do if they hear one go off in their homes or while at childcare.
Deputy Chief Wilhelm brought in an example of a smoke detector that could be found in a house, telling the children where they are commonly located (up on the ceiling). The children then began looking up at the classroom ceiling to see if their room had some as well, which Deputy Chief Wilhelm gladly pointed out to them. He then demonstrated the sound of the smoke detector, giving the children time to cover their ears. He explained that if they were to hear this type of noise at home, it is important to get their parents and find a safe spot outside away from any potential danger.
After the demonstration with the smoke detector, Deputy Chief Wilhelm got dressed in his turnout gear for the children. He wanted to show everyone what a fire fighter would look like if they had to be rescued in an emergency and even though their bodies are covered in protective gear, there is no need to be frightened. Before putting on his air pack, he asked the children if they knew what it was for or what was in the tank. Stark quickly answered, "there is air in that tank". Deputy Chief said that Stark was correct and proceeded to tell them, that it was clean air to breathe for when the fire fighters have to go into a burning building. He demonstrated how the air pack worked and all of the children sat quietly, listening to him breathe in and out. After he was completely dressed in his gear, he allowed the children that wanted to, to try on his helmet. Big smiles were seen as each child put the helmet on, saying how heavy it felt on their heads.
Once he finished up this part of his presentation, he asked If anyone had any questions. Zayn and Ezra were curious about fire trucks and how they are driven. It was explained to them that you need a special driver's licence and it takes a lot of practice. Elia asked, "how do you put out a fire?" and Deputy Chief Wilhelm explained all about pumper trucks and fire hydrants and how the water travels through the hose. As Deputy Chief Wilhelm finished up his talk, another special guest dropped in to say hello. Smokey the Bear came in to give the children high fives and hugs. This was very special to the class, as they had just finished up a project on bears.
This experience had all of the children engaged as they listened and learned about smoke detectors and what to expect a fire fighter to look like in an emergency. Everyone who wanted to participate with trying on the helmet, asking questions or hugging Smokey the Bear was able to do so, showing a sense of belonging. The visit seems to have helped, as during the next fire drill the majority of the children seemed more comfortable as the bell went off.
