On Tuesday and Wednesday, in honor of National Fire Prevention Week, Volunteers from the Cutchogue and Mattituck Fire Departments spent the day at the Cutchogue East Elementary School teaching the children of our community the do's and don'ts of fire safety.

Over the course of the next two weeks firefighters will spend additional days at the Our Lady of Mercy School and pre-schools, reaching out to over 800 children in our community.

This year's theme was “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”

Volunteers taught the students how to properly dial 911 to report an emergency along with teaching each student how to identify and correct hazards throughout the home. This was done by walking through a Fire Safety House that is jointly owned by both Fire Departments. While in the Safety house students were also taught how to safely exit a smoke filled home safely.

Students were also able to witness and participate in live demonstrations that included the proper use of fire extinguishers. Following the presentation students also were given tours of the fire apparatus and ambulance that were on display at the school and had an opportunity to meet "Sparky" the Fire Dog.

The Fifth and Sixth grade students were treated to a special demonstration put on by the CFD and MFD Firefighters. After a talk about fire safety in the home the students were shown how the Jaws of Life are used during serious car accidents.

Students were explained the steps and procedures that are used duing these situations as the firefighters meticulously cut apart a car. This demonstrations reinforces the fact that safety doesnt just end at home. Everyone should follow safe practices wherever you are including riding in a car and wearing seatbelts.

Each Student received a t-shirt, coloring book and a packet containing school supplies and valuable fire safety information courtesy of the Fire Departments.

The community is reminded to discuss fire safety with their children and remember to test your smoke detectors and change your batteries annually.

Both the Cutchogue and Mattituck Fire Departments would like to thank the staff of the Cutchogue East School for opening your doors to us for this valuable program.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who donated their time to make this years program a success.

To learn more about the History of Fire Prevention Week click Here: http://www.cutchoguefiredept.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=375

Southoldlocal Story: https://southoldlocal.com/2017/10/11/students-learn-fire-safety-cutchogue-mattituck-first-responders/