Warren Pughsley, education officer for the Lima Fire Department, is making the rounds of Lima third-grade classes this week during National Fire Prevention Week. Tuesday found Pughsley and his pal, Patches the dog, at St. Gerard school.
J Swygart | The Lima News
LIMA — Third-graders across the city of Lima are getting information this week designed to save their lives and the lives of family members.
Inspector Warren Pughsley, education officer for the Lima Fire Department, is making the rounds during National Fire Prevention Week to explain to youngsters the importance of keeping smoke alarms in tip-top working order. Pughsley also presents tips he hopes students will remember in the event of a fire in their homes.
“My job today is to explain some very important things to you,” Pughsley told the third-graders at St. Gerard school on Tuesday.
Topping the list is the need to replace smoke detectors every 10 years — even if they seem to be working properly — and to replace the batteries in those devices regularly.
“The theme this year for National Fire Prevention Week is ‘Smoke Alarms, Make Them Work for You,’” Pughsley told the students. “Make sure your smoke detector is working, and if it’s not — replace it. Test it monthly. Your life is worth way more than a $20 device.”
Studies show that smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by half.
The LFD inspector also told the students how to react when a smoke detector alarm does go off.
“When there is a fire, it brings with it smoke, toxic gas and flames. If you’re in your bedroom, keep the door closed,” he said. “That keeps the heat and smoke out. Then feel the door to see if it’s warm, but don’t open it.”
Instead, Pughsley said, people inside a burning dwelling should head for the nearest window, open it and get out of the structure.
“Go to a neighbor’s house and have them call 911. Firefighters don’t know your house is on fire until someone calls us. Then go to a meeting place designated by your family.”
Pughsley stressed that pre-planning actions to be taken during a fire can mean the difference between life and death.
Near the end of his presentation, the veteran Lima firefighter was joined by Patches, a robotic fire prevention canine, who delighted the students with a series of antics designed for laughs as well as education.
“Who is going to save you in the event of a fire?” Pughsley asked students. It’s not firemen or policemen or your parents. You are going to save you.”
Events were held held earlier this week St. Rose, Heir Force Community School, Liberty Christian and Unity elementary schools.
Fire prevention sessions are planned for Heritage and Liberty schools on Wednesday, St. Charles and South Elementary on Thursday and Freedom and Independence elementary schools on Friday.
