MLFD visits elementary schools

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake firefighters spent Fire Prevention Month visiting local elementary schools, not only teaching the students about fire safety but showing off the fire truck and equipment.

Chief Tom Taylor said fire crews have visited more than 700 students in the second and third grade during the month of October. The firefighters spent Thursday morning at Lakeview Terrace Elementary and Pioneer Elementary in the afternoon speaking to several classes.

While in the classroom, firefighter Jason Koziol stressed the importance of having a fire escape plan at home. The students were given supplies to help parents develop an escape plan. Taylor said the supplies given to the students, including pencils and coloring books, were from private donations from the community to the fire department.

Once outside, students were given a tour of the different functions of the fire truck and had the opportunity to ask questions, ranging from how the tools work to why the fire department doesn't have a fire dog. Firefighter Schrade Rouse and Capt. Phil Walker took the time to open just about every door and hatch to the fire truck.

Taylor said the fire department has been doing similar tours to local schools for about 20 years.

The children were also reminded to let their parents know to change the clocks for Daylight Savings Time, which is also a good time to check and replace the batteries in smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detector batteries should be changed every six months.