We Take Classroom Activities Seriously!

Los Angeles Firefighters and MySafe:LA are visiting L.A. area schools throughout the school year. Each presentation is carefully prepared, and the school is a participating partner in the presentations. Here's what typically takes place:

Video Presentation: Once the firefighters arrive, the kids typicall will sit in the auditorium. A short video will be played, focusing on one or more of the core topics (earthquake, accidents, burns, wildfires).

Question & Answer Session: Once the video has been completed, the senior fire officer will lead the kids in a short question and answer session. The intention is to determine their energy level, retention from watching the video, and what direction to suggest the teacher take when proceeding with activities after the firefighters leave.

Firefighter Turnout Race: Most kids have never seen a firefighter fully suited up in their personal protective gear. We typically split the kids into two groups. Each group is assigned a firefighter. At the word "Alarm!" - the firefighters race into their "turnouts" or PPEs. The kids cheer and get very animated as they encourage their particular firefighter to be "first" to be suited up. In a reason world situation, firefighters are out of the station in less than one minute. In these drills, the timing is a bit longer, as the firefighters put on their self-contained-breathing-apparatus and mask as well. The result: Kids are not afraid of a suited up firefighter.

Get low & Go Drill: Each suited up firefighter mingles with the kids, sharing information about their protective gear, and speaking to the kids with their "breathers" on. If you haven't heard this, imagine talking with Darth Vader from Star Wars. After a few minutes, the firefighters teach the kids about clean air in the event of a fire. The kids follow the firefighters outside by crawling on the floor. The result: kids learn to take direction from firefighters.

Demonstration Stations: Once outside in the school yard, the kids are moved between three demonstration stations. These include a station where kids can try on turnouts and helmets. The gear is heavy and demonstrates the care taken with protective clothing. The second station typically involves an LAFD Rescue Ambualnce. The on-staff Paramedics teach the kids about the equipment and medicine carried on an LAFD Ambulance (called "Rescues" or RAs"). The result: kids learn that firefighters and the LAFD offer the fastest path to emergency medical treatment. The last station in the most fun. Here, the kids get a chance to use a one-inch fire hose and to attempt to knock down some cones. While they take turns with the hose, we often take photos, which are then given to the school. The result: kids learn about water pressure, and have a bit of fun in the midst of some important learning.

Before We Leave: Just prior to departure, we meet with the teacher and/or principal and hand over a few important sets of materials. These include a DVD with classroom and take-home exercises and activities, printed materials for use in the classroom, and support materials to help the kids discover the range of important issues involving home fire and life safety.

So, don't be surprised when your son or daughter comes home and says, "hey mom and dad! We were visited by the fire department and MySafe:LA!"

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