Polk firefighters teach kids fire safety

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KRESGEVILLE — Wednesday was a day of fun and hands-on learning for some West End elementary school students as they learned about fire safety.

Students from Polk and Chestnuthill elementary schools traveled to the Polk Township Fire Company Station in Kresgeville to learn about fire prevention and safety from the volunteers who fight fires up close and personal.

"We bring it to their level, hands-on with things outside and the kids always seem to have a fun time and hopefully learn, too," said Christian Lenway, the fire company's vice president.

Firefighters from Polk Township, West End Fire Company in Brodheadsville and Albrightsville Fire Company in Carbon County joined together to put on the event. This will be the third year for this program and about the 10th year that local fire companies have worked to educate students on fire prevention and safety.

The students went to three learning stations at the firehouse: a presentation on safety throughout the year, a fire truck demonstration and a smoke-filled "safety trailer" to help them learn how to safely crawl to safety during a fire.

"At the trailer, kids go over what a smoke detector sounds like and then they plan an escape drill in the fire trailer," Lenway said.

The same program was held Tuesday at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

After the two days of presentations, almost 1,500 students learned about fire safety and prevention.

For anyone who missed the safety presentations this week, the three fire companies will be holding a Fire Safety Day on Sunday at the Polk Township fire station on Route 209 from 12 to 3 p.m.

The same safety lessons will be available for children as well as a Jaws of Life demonstration.