Lehighton-area fire companies joined together Friday to teach students how to stay safe during Fire Prevention Week, using demonstrations, safety talks, and hands-on activities to reinforce lessons about what to do in an emergency.

Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Lilly of the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company said the annual program is designed to make sure students understand how to react if a fire breaks out.

“It’s very important that we teach young people about fire safety at an early age,” Lilly said. “They need to have a plan with their family — know where they’re going to meet, how they’re going to get out, and practice exit drills.”

Lilly said firefighters demonstrated basic equipment, including fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and showed students what firefighters look and sound like in full gear.

“We want them to recognize the sound of a smoke detector and know that when they hear it, it’s time to get out,” he said. “And we want them to understand that even though we might look or sound a little funny with all the equipment on, they shouldn’t be afraid of us — we’re there to help.”

Firefighters stressed one message above all: safety comes first.

“The most important thing is to get out and stay out,” Lilly said. “There’s no toy, no pet, nothing worth risking their life for. We’re trained and have the equipment to go in and get those things if needed.”

The department also hosted an open house Monday night at the Franklin Township Fire Station.

“We show how we cut people out of cars and how we put out fires from start to finish,” Lilly said. “It’s part of Fire Prevention Week, and it’s important that parents get involved, too.”

Lilly said the lessons learned in school should continue at home.

“If we can educate the parents, that’s one of the most important things,” he said. “Kids can take what they learn here and share it with their families.”

He shared how he practiced escape drills with his own daughters.

“When my girls were young, I used to blindfold them in their bedrooms and have them crawl, so they’d learn how to find the doors and get out,” he said. “Even as a firefighter, that’s the mentality we need all parents to have — helping kids practice what to do.”

This year’s fire prevention efforts come at a difficult time for the community. A Franklin Township fire on Sept. 30 claimed the lives of a mother and her four children, including three students in the Lehighton Area School District.

The district held fundraisers and offered counseling services for students in the aftermath.

Superintendent Jason Moser said in a statement that the tragedy deeply affected the school community and that support spaces were made available in each building for students in need.

Lilly said the recent fire served as a powerful reminder of why education and preparation are so critical.

“It’s tough,” he said. “But that’s why we’re out here. We don’t ever want to see that kind of tragedy happen again.”