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.

The annual fire Prevention Program is a collaborative effort with the Cutchogue and Matttiuck Fire Departments

Over the course of the week firefighters will reach out to over 600 children in our community.

This year's theme was “"Smoke alarms: Make them work for you! ™" The goal of this year's campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

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.

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 during these situations as the firefighters meticulously cut apart a car. This demonstrations reinforces the fact that safety doesn't just end at home. Everyone should follow safe practices wherever you are including riding in a car and wearing seatbelts.

This year's program also covered school bus safety and emergency procedures. Dave Surozenski of Sunrise Bus Company gave students a quick presentation and then gave them a chance to review and practice emergency egress using the emergency doors. We would like to thank Sunrise Bus Co. for being a part of these special days.

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

On Thursday Morning, Members from CFD also made a special fire prevention visit to Bright and Early Discoveries Pre-School in Cutchogue.

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. Thank you to the Paramedics From Stony Brook University Hospital First Responder program for stopping by to participate in the days events.

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