Published: October 30, 2007 10:56 am      

Fire prevention

The children at Ada BIG 5 Headstart received a special visit Friday from Ada firefighters and “SPARKY” the fire dog. The youngsters were more than happy to show the firefighters how they have mastered the stop, drop and roll technique, and Sparky was a huge hit with lots of hugs and “paw” shakes for everyone.

October is National Fire Prevention Month and the the firefighters have been making trips to area schools all month to teach kids about fire safety and prevention.

“We teach the kids about stop, drop and roll and not to play with matches as well as exit drills in the home,” Ada Fire Captain Bill Claxton said. Exit drills in the home is also known as E.D.I.T.H.

“They’re real sharp on every thing, Claxton said, “those kids know so much it’s amazing--even three year olds.”

The firefighters taught fire is a tool used for cooking and heating and is not something to be played with.

“I really think that over the last 10 to 15 years we’ve done a good job because we’ve had very, very few juvenile firestarters in that time,” Claxton said.

The Ada Fire Department also has these ten fire safety tips:

1. Cook Safely. Cooking areas should never be left alone and cooking areas should be kept clean and free of clutter.

2. Give space heaters space. Portable and fixed space heaters should be kept at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Be careful with smoking materials. Water should be added to the contents of ashtrays before dumping butts and ashes into a wastebasket.

4. Hide matches and lighters. Matches and lighters should be kept away from children. They should be high in a locked cabinet.

5. Use electricity safely. Damaged electrical cords need replaceing and appliances that smell, smoke, or overheat should be repaired.

6. Install and test smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed on every floor of the home, and outside all bedrooms. They should be tested once a month, and their batteries replaced at least once a year.

7. Consider a sprinkler system. Automatic home sprinkler systems control or extinguish fires in less time than it takes for the fire department to arrive. Having sprinklers installed in your home should be considered.

8. Plan an escape. A plan to escape the home should be devised and fire drills should be held so that everyone in the residense knows what to do in an emergency.

9. Crawl under smoke. If escaping fire through smoke is nessesary, firefighters advise crawling low, and to keep the head 12 to 24 inches above the floor where the air is cleaner.

10. Stop, drop, and roll. If clothing catches fire, stop--don’t run. Dropping to the ground, and rolling over and over to smother the flames is advised.