Thank you to the incredible Volunteers/Heroes from the Berlin, Grafton, Petersburgh and Stephentown Fire Departments who visited Berlin Elementary School on October 7th  for its annual Fire Prevention Day. 

The BES Mountaineers started their morning with a fire drill in which the elementary Mountaineers once again did an excellent job quickly evacuating the building and quietly waiting for their next instruction. Way to go Mountaineers!    

After the fire drill students attended an assembly led by Emergency Responders: Mr. Alan Kennedy (Berlin), Mr. Rik McClave (Stephentown), Mr. Mark Murray (Petersburgh) and Mrs. Jennifer Peabody (Stephentown).

The firefighters shared tips on fire safety including an emphasis on creating evacuation plans and testing smoke alarms. The students learned about what to do in the event of a fire and were also shown the turnout gear and equipment a firefighter would be dressed in and sound like. 

The firefighters did a demonstration of crawling by the students while they were seated in the assembly to alert them to the site and sounds of a firefighter in a rescue situation. Mr. McClave emphasized the importance of not running and hiding when you see a firefighter dressed in this gear and remembering that they are there to help.

Student volunteers also demonstrated to their peers how to stop, drop and roll. 

The annual Fire Safety poster contest was announced during the assembly as well! The theme this year is Evacuation Plans. Students will have until next Friday to draw a poster demonstrating the importance of having an evacuation plan.

Many of the students were also able to explore the rescue vehicles and equipment brought to the elementary school by the Berlin, Grafton, Petersburgh and Stephentown Fire Departments.

A big thank you to all the amazing Volunteers in our district and those who came to BES today to help educate our young community members on the importance of fire safety. 

Please remember to check your smoke alarms and make a home evacuation plan with your family as the winter heating months approach.