West Penn Elementary students received expert advice from local first responders.

Members of the West Penn Fire Company and the Penn-Mahoning Ambulance Association taught a pair of sessions for National Fire Prevention Week on Friday.

Students packed the gym and participated in the first part of the program - an informational session.

Students learned who to contact in case of an emergency and what to do in many different situations which could involve a fire.

“This is the age now where you start to get it into their heads to dial 911 if there is an emergency,” said Jeff Bradford, West Penn Fire Chief.

“Get out, stay out. Unfortunately, you have to leave the pets inside - it’s a tough one to tell a child, but it’s important.”

Fire personnel performed the stop, drop and roll technique and had volunteers from the students and staff give it a try.

Another main talking point involved fire detectors.

“The biggest problem is - do they work or not? Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors all have a life span,” Bradford said.

“Just because it’s up there, and you put a battery in it, doesn’t mean it’s working. When’s the last time you tested it? Very important. When you put the battery in - light a match, make it go off to make sure it works.”

After several integral fire safety topics, the students went outside to check out the vehicles and equipment. Firefighters explained and showed the students how certain tools work.

“We’re trying to revamp the fire prevention program,” Bradford said. “This year was the first step, we’re doing things a little differently. Traditionally, we used to come up there and we’d talk for a few minutes and look at the trucks. Now, we’re doing videos and really getting involved with the kids. What they’re doing out there (looking at the trucks) is the highlight of their day, but we still need some serious time.”

One lucky student even had a chance to flow water through the hose, just like the local heroes do when it’s crunchtime.

“We have a blast doing this,” said Lt. Keith House, a firefighter of 24 years. “We want people to know that West Penn Fire Company is here for the community and to teach their children about fire safety - and the adults as well.”

The West Penn Fire Company will continue to rework its fire prevention week program to help teach and spread awareness to the community.

“One of the things we’re talking about doing as well next year is having an open house at the station. We’re going to have programs set up for fire prevention for adults and children to see.”