Public Education

Fire Prevention Week in LP Schools

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific incident killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. While the source of this fire was not determined, its effects created a lasting impression.

During Fire Prevention Week, the La Porte Fire Department and Fire Marshalls Office, team up to visit all elementary schools within La Porte.  Teaching students from Pre-K to the fifth grade about fire safety and knowledge about what to do in the event of a fire

The La Porte Fire Department starts Fire Prevention Week by speaking with Pre-K/Kindergarten classes. The classes are introduced to firefighters as positive role models to seek help from. They are shown various types of bunker gear and air packs to let the child know the different appearances a firefighter has. No matter the appearance of a firefighter, they are there to help! They are introduced to the definition of an emergency, how to dial 911, and how to stop, drop and roll. 

First and second graders interact with the Fire Marshal Office. The deputies’ team review the importance of having a working smoke alarm in every room and how/when to change the batteries. And what to do when a smoke alarm goes off.  After, the students are able to view the firetrucks and ask questions of the firefighters.  

Third graders get hands on training about the different types of extinguishers to show putting out different types of fires. Firefighters provide third graders with house props and water can extinguishers to show putting out a fire.

Fourth Graders get to participate in the pumper races. They are shown the process of getting water from a fire hydrant through the connection of the hoses, and nozzles, to put out the fire.  The students are then paired up to try themselves in a fun quick race. 

Fire Prevention week ends with the fifth graders.  The students are brought out the La Porte Fire Training Field.  They are shown behind the scenes of what goes into a fire, from the 911 call coming in, to the fire being put out.  These demonstrations help students connect their knowledge of fire safety. For more information, about the La Porte Fire Department go to Lpfd.net or visit nfpa.org/public-education.