Panther Valley students learn about fire prevention, safety
Firefighters visited Panther Valley Elementary School on Friday to convey the importance of fire prevention.
Members of fire departments from Nesquehoning, Lansford, Coaldale and Summit Hill not only spoke with the students, but also brought with them the apparatus they use to fight fires. The Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 lowered its ladder, which contains a basket, and allowed the students to amble through it.
The Fire Prevention Week program was arranged by teacher Jen Schlegel. This is the second year she organized such an event.
There were individual assembly programs held for every grade in the school. In charge was John McArdle, the fire chief of Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1.
McArdle spoke about the history of Fire Prevention Week, the equipment a firefighter wears, dispatching firefighters and emphasized fire prevention measures.
He told the students that when they return home today, they should ask their parents to change batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
In addition, he stressed the importance of predetermining a meeting place if a fire occurs and evacuation of a residence is needed.
McArdle had students demonstrate the stop, drop and roll technique if clothing catches fire.
He said to the students, “Keep things away from open flames and stoves.”
He also stated the danger laptop computers can pose if they remain plugged-in and the battery overheats. Just recently in Nesquehoning, there was a fire caused by the lithium battery inside a computer, he said.
If a fire should occur, he said, “Don’t hide under the bed. Don’t hide in the closet. Be sure you are in a place where we are able to find you.”
Firefighters Damien Flexer of Coaldale, Cory Mealis of Nesquehoning and Bobby Campomizzi of Summit Hill wore full gear — breathing masks, helmets, coats and boots — for the students and demonstrated how the youngsters should crawl on the floor to escape a smoke-filled room.
At the end of each session, the students were invited to participate in a question-and-answer session with the firefighters.