Representatives of the Greene Fire Department visited the Greene Elementary Schools on Friday, and went over fire safety basics along with ways families can stay safe during an emergency. (Photo by Zachary Meseck)

GREENE - The Greene Fire Department presented at the Greene Primary School on Friday, and performed demonstrations for both Primary School and Intermediate School Students as part of Fire Prevention Week.

According to Greene Fire Department First Assistant Chief Braeden Williams, the presentation was an opportunity to teach students the basics of fire safety, and to get them used to seeing firemen and their equipment so they don’t hide from them in the case of an emergency.

Williams said the event was held with assistance from the Smithville Fire Department.

“We did some fire prevention for the primary and intermediate schools, everything from UPK all the way to third grade,” said Williams. “We wanted to teach the kids about fire safety, and it’s important that kids learn the basics, like stop, drop, and roll, call 911 in the case of an emergency, and don’t play with matches.”

“Another important message that we like to teach is that families need to have a plan in the case of an emergency.”

Williams said by teaching children at the younger ages about fire prevention along with emergency planning, they are building a safety foundation that will hopefully last them the rest of their lives.

He said throughout the day students had the chance to leave the classroom, ask questions about fire safety and prevention, and tour a fire truck. He added that the Greene Fire Department plans to continue to do community outreach, and asked that anyone who reads this please take a moment to check your smoke detectors.

“A lot of people don’t realize that many smoke detectors have a lifespan of about 10 years, and that they should be checking the batteries in those smoke detectors at least twice a year,” said Williams. “We recommend that people check their batteries around daylight savings time, that way when you change your clocks you’re also changing or checking your batteries.”

Those who are interested in learning more about the Greene Fire Department may visit its facebook page for additional information.