Tamaqua Area Elementary School students used an imaginary situation to put into action what they learned during Monday’s Fire Prevention Day.

The students stopped, dropped and rolled to simulate how to put out flames burning their clothing, then crawled - blindfolded - across the gymnasium floor, an exercise meant to show them what it’s like being in a smoke-filled building.

From there, they opened a window and dialed an emergency dispatcher on 911.

While the scenario was made-up, the information they gained from Tamaqua firefighters might one day save their lives.

“We always have a good turnout,” said Tamaqua Fire Chief James Connely. “This has been in place since back in 1984 or 1985 when it started with a coloring project.”

Firefighters put their minds together over the years to come up with different activities.

And now, volunteers from all four fire companies - American, Citizens, East End and South Ward - have four different programs they alternate from year to year, Connely said.

The program isn’t specific to the classroom or the gymnasium; children can try on firefighting gear or get up close to fire fighting apparatus parked outside.

“The kids love that part,” he said.

He commended all the firefighters involved, including Chris Hadesty, who’s been overseeing the program for two-plus decades. He also tipped his hat to the Tamaqua Area School District, which permits junior firefighters to skip their usual classes to teach the children.

“We have 12 of them here today,” Connely said.