Children's Activities
Fire Prevention Week has been observed in October every year since 1922. It is a time when firefighters and experts often visit classrooms to talk about fire prevention and fire safety, and some students get to tour fire stations and explore fire engines.
Fire Prevention Week Activities
Teachers and special guests teach fire prevention through reading books and poems, singing songs and fun activities, such as interactive games. Sparky the Fire Dog has been the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) official mascot since March 18, 1951. He is dedicated to keeping children safe by teaching fire prevention and safety. You can visit Sparky the Fire Dog's official website by clicking on the link under External Links below.
Prevention
Prevention is the first step in fire safety. If students are taught not to play with matches and lighters and abide by this lesson, fires may be prevented. Even with this training, fires do happen and the next step is to teach rules for using fire safely, including times when fire is part of the recreation or activity, such camping.
Teaching Fire Safety
Students are introduced to fire safety drills in school, but there is more to fire safety, such as stop, drop and roll. They learn what to do in case their clothes catch on fire. They make sure students understand to get low to the floor and crawl out of an area if there is intense smoke present. Another tip is to not hide during a fire as escape is best, but if escape is not possible then firefighters can't save you if they can't see you.
If you have questions, please contact the Stockton Fire Department Fire Prevention Division.
External Links
This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 4/26/2023