With four firetrucks out in the parking lot at Towamensing Elementary, one would think that the school was ablaze. Luckily, nothing was wrong - but if there was a fire, the students would certainly know how to handle the problem.

The Towamensing Volunteer Fire Department members spent Friday instructing the elementary students on fire safety and prevention, coinciding with Fire Prevention Month."The fire company came to the school today to discuss fire prevention with the students," Fire Chief Jeremy Haydt said. "We're discussing the elements of fire, what to do when they hear the smoke detector go off, what information they need when they get to their meeting place, and more."Junior firefighters Cole George, 17, and Tyler Haydt, 15, entered the classroom in full turnout gear, with Assistant Chief Ryan Snyder pointing out the protective features of the jackets, as well as the oxygen tanks."It feels good. You're here helping them and teaching them all about fire safety," George said. "It's definitely positive for the community and the kids."In-classroom instruction also included information about what to expect when a firetruck arrives at your home, and what to do in the event of being caught in a burning building."If they're in their bedrooms when the smoke detector does sound, and they need to get out, we're taking them through the motions to get low and crawl through the door to safely exit the house," Haydt said.Firefighter Todd Haydt demonstrated the proper technique for testing a door for heat, exiting the room, and closing the door in order to contain the fire. The students were invited to try out the exit routine for themselves, with each one testing a small wooden door for heat with the back of their hand before going through."You need to know two ways to get out of your house, and a meeting place," first-grader Brooke Warner, 6, said when asked what was most important.Next, the class went out to the lot, where the department had stationed four trucks, a rescue-pumper, a mini-pumper, a tanker and a brush truck.Firefighter Austin Lesko showed off the assortment of parts and equipment on Rescue-Pumper 951 for each class, including hoses, pump mechanisms, generators andhydraulic rescue equipment."My favorite part was when I got to see the big hose," first-grader Mason Dierenfeldt, 6, said.Lesko enjoys participating in the event, and attributes fire safety demonstrations such as these with educating and inspiring him to join emergency services."The thing I really like about it is making sure the kids get a good education on the safety aspects," said Lesko, who also works at a 911 center. "I've been involved with emergency service since I was 16. I started at the age of 16 as a junior firefighter at this department. I've had an interest in it since I was a kid, and I got that here from the fire prevention events."The lessons and demonstrations managed to capture the children's attentions, ensuring that they held onto valuable safety tips that could save lives in the case of a fire."We all work together, as we would on a fire ground, to bring this program to the students. Hopefully they walk away with an appreciation and respect for fire, and have learned what to do in the event of an emergency," Chief Haydt said.