A fire truck parked in front of St. Rose of Lima Catholic School as students gathered outside.
There was no fire, but what transpired on Wednesday might prepare students for the real thing.
Franklin firefighter and paramedic Tony Lauinger put on a fire suit, steel-toed boots, a helmet, a breathing apparatus and an oxygen tank. Firefighter Cody Parrott, also with the department, explained to students what they should do if there is ever a fire in their homes.
“If your (bedroom) door is closed, you have 20 to 30 minutes of time before a fire will get to you. You can put a pillow on the bottom of the crease to keep the smoke away and wait for us to come and get you. If you have to go through a window, it’s good to try going through the window during the day (as practice),” Parrott said.
“If you live on the second floor, there are ladders they make that stick into the window so you can climb out if you have to. It’s better to get out as quickly as you can, as opposed to sitting in the house and waiting. We will get your dog.”
Parrott also discussed uses for various tools when making a fire rescue.
“Kids get scared when they see us carrying big tools,” he said. “They are used to punch holes in ceilings and walls. There’s no reason to be afraid of this. Hooks and axes are different ways to cut holes into buildings so we can get into places where smoke and fire are.”
Children should also develop a plan with their parents about where to meet outside if there is a fire, Parrott said.
The educational event was part of Fire Prevention Week, an initiative throughout the United States and Canada meant to educate children and their parents about how to survive fires and provide important reminders, such as making sure to replace smoke alarm batteries when the alarm starts beeping, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The demonstration was important for children, who will now be more prepared in case of a fire emergency, said Shawna Schroeder, the school’s principal.
“We wanted (the fire department) to come during fire safety week,” Schroeder said. “I think it’s valuable for them to see firemen and see what they put on so they’re not scared when they see a fireman in their home.”
Students took home valuable lessons.
“I learned that you don’t go inside if your dog is still inside during a fire,” said Enelys Rangel, a second grader.
Second grader Grayson Thomas was amazed by the equipment needed to fight fires.
“They have hard equipment on and the hose is that big,” Thomas said.
