HELENA – The Helena Fire Department is welcoming 800 area 2nd graders to Fire Station One throughout the week for Fire Prevention Week.
Monday morning started off with second graders from East Helena.
The students are welcomed with a short cartoon about fire safety, before answering questions about everything from what starts household fires to how to get out of the house if there is one.
Helena Fire Marshal Lou Antonick says fire prevention week is an exciting time and second grade is a great age for them to get fire safety messages.
“The important piece is when these kids, when we go through and do this education piece – they’re going to come home and talk to family members and parents and everybody else about what they learned and we really encourage everybody to get involved in the whole process,” says Antonick.
He says that process includes checking smoke detectors, as well as planning an escape route and a meeting place outside.
Antonick adds that now is also the time to check your fire place or wood stove, and the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarms.
Reporting by Melissa Jensen for MTN News
