Lake George Fire Protection District sees it as one of its responsibilities to teach children fire safety to save lives, reduce child-set fires, learn proper actions during a fire, and empower children to know what to do and how to get out and make responsible decisions during an emergency and make them feel more in control during a frightening event.

One hundred, forty-two students from Lake George Charter School visited the firefighters at the LGFPD main station on corner of CO 24 and County Road 90 in Lake George. The elementary school students came on Nov. 17 and the middle and high school students on Nov. 19.

All students were given a variety of sessions to learn about fire safety, including a firefighter demonstration to both show the younger students what they will see and hear when a firefighter enters a burning building, so they are not scared with the appearance of a firefighter and they also get an idea of how much gear a firefighter wears.

Other sessions included “stop, drop, cover your face and roll”, finding two ways out of their homes and the importance of a family meeting place, kitchen safety, campfire safely, smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, safely charging lithium-ion batteries, careers in Fire/EMS, and much more.

The middle and high school students were able to get more hands-on experience including the opportunity to operate a fire hose. Fire safety was the main topic as well as an introduction into what all it takes to protect the community. Students were allowed to check out the vehicles and gain insight into what all equipment is carried in the trucks and the variety of trucks and their specific use.

“We really enjoy putting on the demonstrations, answering all the questions and educate these students about fire safety,” Fire Chief Susan Bernstetter said. “In doing so, the kids become a part of a larger movement toward a safer, more fire-aware community.”