On a cold and crisp October day, volunteers with Quincy Volunteer Fire Department visited Plumas Christian School to share fire safety lessons with students and staff. Chief Frank Carey said that students are often the most effective means to communicate the importance of fire safety to their families and households.
“The Quincy Fire Department always welcomes the opportunity to work with our local schools to promote fire safety,” said Carey. “We find the most effective way to promote community safety is through the students and by visiting the school sites and doing a hands-on demonstration of equipment and gear. In addition, we send home information with the students for families to read and understand the importance of fire safety. It truly starts at home.”
During the demonstration, volunteer firefighter Jesse Lazzarino invited students to climb into the engine and explore the equipment it carries. Volunteer firefighter Oliver Litchfield donned his full turnout to share its safety features. He also showed the students what a firefighter looks like in full gear so that when they do see firefighters in an emergency situation they will not be frightened.
Volunteers pointed out that emergency situations can be wrought with fear for children due to the lack of familiarity with emergency vehicles, bright lights, loud sirens, and unfamiliar equipment. Showing students the components of an emergency vehicle alleviates some of the anxiety associated with its presence in an emergency situation.
The students and staff were highly appreciative of the “fun and informative” demonstration, according to Shannon Little, Plumas Christian School principal. “We are so very grateful for the time and effort Chief Carey and his crew invested in teaching our students about fire safety, equipment, gear, and emergency response. Our students’ interactions with the crew and equipment also provides a trust and peace in knowing how emergency services work as well as an understanding of the caring responder in all that gear that is truly there to help and not to fear.”
Since Carey assumed the role of department chief in July, the fire department has engaged with area schools and Feather River College to enhance safety awareness and protocol as well as to inspect equipment and review policies and procedures relating to emergencies. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Carey at [email protected] or by calling (530) 283-0870.
Information submitted by Quincy Fire Department
