KFD Public Education Team Hits the Road
Recently, the Kindersley Fire Department Public Education Team had the opportunity to work with students and communities from across Saskatchewan, spreading important fire safety knowledge.
The community events trailer made its way south to Swift Current for the RM of Swift Current’s open house, while the public education trailer spent two days teaching grades 2-4 at Westberry School in Kindersley, with two more dates planned for younger grades. The team also traveled to Meadow Lake for a day with kindergarten students and an open house, while Wilkie and Macklin Fire Departments utilized the trailer for their local schools as well.
“The Kindersley Fire Department’s Public Education division is a very important part of the department. Public education at all levels of the fire department plays a crucial part of our day-to-day operations–all members are encouraged to be a part of the team that promotes fire safety. Our Pub-Ed division is managed by Deputy Chief Mitchel Hope, and I would like to commend Mitchel and his firefighter volunteers for running a successful program, whether it’s a schools, or senior homes, or other communities, I believe the Kindersley Fire’s public Education division is the best in the province and for sure stands at the top of the list in Canada, shared Fire Chief Jeff Soveran.
Public education in the fire service extends beyond basic fire safety tips. The Kindersley Fire team works with people of all ages, from young children to seniors, ensuring everyone is prepared for an emergency situation and what to expect when calling 9-1-1.
Here are a few subjects Kindersley Fire’s public education team touched on while out in communities:
-How to call 911 even if the phone is password protected.
-How to direct emergency personnel to your location.
-Where, how, and what information to put into your phone so that emergency personnel can access it easily in the event of an emergency if your phone is nearby.
-How to make a proper fire escape plan.
-How to be prepared for an emergency at home (e.g., having a ladder accessible outdoors to assist young children, having rope ladders in bedrooms, and more).
-How to use a fire extinguisher.
-When a fire blanket is a safe option and how to use it.
-Codes on types and placements of smoke alarms.
-How a door can make all the difference in a fire.
-How to respond during a gas leak.
-How to prepare to travel in winter conditions.
-How to prepare for power outages.
-How and where to shelter in place.
-Hazard identification (e.g., pot handles sticking out, needles in a park, or chemicals in a house).
-How to properly store items such as chemicals.