New Kensington firefighters stress safety during Martin Elementary visit

They got to see the fire trucks, hold the hoses and sit in an engine’s driver seat. But there were also important lessons to be learned when New Kensington volunteer firefighters paid a visit to the school housing the community’s youngest children Friday.

What to do when there’s a fire, how to know there is a fire, and things they shouldn’t do during a fire. Those were among the things Assistant Chief Matt Sobecki covered with students at New Kensington-Arnold’s Martin Elementary School, where kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students attend classes.

The visit fell during national Fire Prevention Week.

Outside their school, children got to see a rescue truck and a fire engine, and learn what they do and what they carry.

In the auditorium, Sobecki told them their only concern during a fire at their school or house should be getting out, but doing so safely.

If there’s a fire at their home and their bedroom door is closed, Sobecki said they should check it with the back of their hand to see if it’s hot. If it is, rather than climb out a window, they should throw things out so firefighters will see it and know they are inside.

Having a bedroom door closed will give them more time, he said.

“We want you to scream and holler. Let the firemen know you are there,” Sobecki said.

He warned them not to hide.

“You can’t go in a closet. You can’t go under the bed. We have to be able to find you.”

Sobecki told them how smoke alarms on the ceilings will warn them of a fire, because smoke rises, and that they’d have to crawl to stay in the good air.

Families should have a prearranged meeting place outside their homes, where Sobecki said they can “count noses” to know that everyone is out.

“Do not go back in for anything,” he said. “You can get more toys. You can get another house. Can we get another you? There’s only one you.”

Children also got to see school custodian and firefighter Anthony Ferma, who they call “Mr. Anthony,” get dressed in his gear.

“We want you to look at his face and remember who he is,” Sobecki said before Ferma put on all his protective equipment and breathing apparatus.

After he was fully equipped, Sobecki said, “He’s the same guy. He’s nobody to be afraid of.”

Leslie Ward, who teaches the transitional kindergarten class at Martin, said she wanted the children to meet the community helpers.

“I don’t want them to be afraid if a fireman comes to their house,” she said. “They’re there to help.”