These are what Safe Kids Worldwide calls “the hard facts”:
In 2013, 334 children died in home fires.
87% of all fire-related deaths happen in the home.
Home is a place where people think they are safe, but these stats illustrate, that’s not always the case. To make it safer for kids at home, area firefighters will soon visit several Lafourche Parish PublicLibrary branches in early to mid-October during National Fire Prevention Week (October 4 – 10). The aim is to increase children’s knowledge of fire safety and, hopefully, decrease their chances of being injured – or worse – in a fire.
THE FIREMEN ARE COMING!
Here’s what to expect.
Every October, area firefighters are kind enough to take time from the day to visit the library toteach children about fire safety. During these visits, kids learn about what to do in the event of afire, safety techniques like “stop, drop, and roll.” They learn about smoke alarms and what they mean – it’s time to leave -- and home fire escapeplans – where to go when it’s time to leave…and so much more.
Children not only learn from local volunteer firefighters, but about firefighters. For a toddler oryoung child, the sight of a firefighter in full firefighting gear might be a frightening one, but atStorytime, children learn not to fear firefighters.They become familiar with the sight and with the idea that firefighters are there to help – thatthey’re not people to run from in the event of an emergency.
IF YOU SEE A FIRE TRUCK OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY, DON’T BE ALARMED
Firefighters will arrive by firetruck, so if you see a firetruck parked outside of your local librarybranch, don’t worry…grab your camera.
Firefighters will help children explore and take photos with their firetruck.Firetruck visits are always a fun and informative time for children, so stop by with yours.The following library branches will host area firefighters during Storytime:
Golden Meadow Branch: October 5, 4 p.m.
Thibodaux Branch Library: October 7, 10:30 a.m.
Lockport Branch Library: October 8, 10:30 a.m.
Larose Branch Library: October 8, 11:30 a.m.
Choctaw Branch Library: October 8, 4:30 p.m.
South Lafourche Branch Library: October 13, 10:30 a.m.
VISIT THESE OTHER FIRE PREVENTION STORYTIMES
Although firefighters won’t be attending these storytimes, children will still get a good dose offire safety through stories, crafts, and more, so stop by.
Gheens Branch: October 5, 5 p.m.
Bayou Blue Branch: October 6, 11:30 a.m.
Raceland Branch: October 8, 5 p.m. All Lafourche Parish Public Library branches will have fire safety coloring and activity books andother free materials to distribute to children. Ask at your library branch.
INFORMATIVE LINKS
Check out these links for fire safety info to talk about with your children.
National Fire Protection Association:
PBS Kids:
Safe Kids Worldwide:
Sparky the Fire Dog:
U.S. Fire Administration: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/children.html