This month, students at Midview North and West Elementary had the opportunity to learn about fire safety firsthand, thanks to a visit from the Eaton Township Fire Department. Our firefighter friends shared the important work they do to keep our community safe and reviewed valuable lessons about how to respond during fire emergencies.
“Our department believes it is very important to visit Midview Local Schools each year to teach and reinforce fire safety because these lessons help students build lasting awareness and responsibility,” said Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Blair. “As children grow, their understanding of safety evolves, and revisiting these topics ensures they remain prepared and confident in emergency situations. Beginning in kindergarten, students are exposed to the fire department and fire safety best practices. Annual visits also strengthen the connection between students and our fire department, reminding them that firefighters are trusted helpers and community partners dedicated to keeping everyone safe. These visits allow the students to see and interact with the firefighters, ensuring students are not afraid of how a firefighter looks or sounds.”
Some of the key lessons shared during the presentations included:
How to make an emergency call (911) and who responds
Crawling low under smoke to stay safe
Getting out of a burning house as quickly as possible through a door or low-level window (if trapped, wait by a window)
Practicing navigating multiple exits in your home, especially in the dark
Knowing your family's meeting place
Checking doors for heat before opening them
Stop, Drop, and Roll if clothing catches fire
Never going back inside for pets or family members; letting the firefighters handle it with their special gear
Calling out to firefighters when they arrive, instead of hiding
Avoiding matches or lighters and telling a grown-up immediately
“The key lesson we hope students take home is the importance of having—and practicing—a family fire escape plan,” said Blair. “This includes knowing two ways out of every room, identifying a safe meeting place outside, and talking through what to do in an emergency. When students share this information with their families, it opens important conversations and helps ensure that everyone is ready to respond quickly and safely.“
Students also got an up-close look at the fire truck and equipment and put their new skills into practice by safely exiting a “smoke house” simulation in the new firehouse.
Midview Local Schools thanks Eaton Township Fire Department for returning year after year to help our students remember these critical safety lessons and for their dedication to keeping our community safe.