Southern Local Elementary first-graders got a lesson in safety from Highlandtown Fire Chief Jeremiah Cole and Southern Local High School sophomore Chase Utt, a junior firefighter who also donned gear as part of Fire Prevention Week activities. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE — Students at Southern Local Elementary got a lesson in safety during Fire Prevention Week activities.

Representatives of the Salineville, Franklin Township and Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Departments paid visits on Oct. 3-4 where they met with grades PreK-2 to discuss what to do in case of an actual fire. Salineville and Franklin Twp. VFD’s were on hand with preschool and third-graders that Thursday while Highlandtown officials appeared on Friday to speak with kindergarten, first- and second-grade and multi-handicapped classes as well as display firefighter gear and emergency vehicles and even give the kids a fun lesson with the fire hose.

During his sessions, Highlandtown Fire Chief Jeremiah Cole addressed topics such as smoke detectors and “Stop, Drop and Roll.” Southern Local High School sophomore and HVFD junior firefighter Chase Utt also donned gear to show how emergency responders keep themselves protected during an emergency while the chief discussed the importance of creating a fire escape plan and including a meeting spot to ensure everyone got out safely.

“The teacher will give you a paper and you will do a fire escape plan with your family. Draw your house and how you get out of it,” he said. “The most important part is going to the same spot for a meeting place. If you get out, stay out and stay safe. I want you to practice your fire safety plan. I hope you may not need to use it, but you need to practice like your fire drills at school.”

Cole said their designs would be included in a contest with winners from each grade level receiving a ride to school in a fire truck. This is the second year that Highlandtown provided rides and Cole said it has delighted the little ones.

“We had given them toy fire trucks as prizes in the past but this is more memorable,” he said.

At the conclusion, the kids had a chance to operate a hose from a pumper truck to “extinguish” a faux housefire, plus they received red plastic junior firefighter helmets, activity books and stickers to mark the occasion.

SLES Guidance Counselor Jackie Collins said Fire Prevention Week activities are generally held at the end of the month, but officials wanted to avoid colder weather and testing days. She added that the kids enjoyed the chance to learn about safety and experience meeting firefighters firsthand.

“They wanted to show the firefighter before and after they put on their gear and teaching them not to be afraid of a fireman in a suit,” Collins said. “They were also teaching ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ and all of the kids have been excited for it.”