As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, the Ames Fire Department will be presenting fire safety programs to Ames elementary schools and daycare centers. Harris said firemen usually go to the schools and daycares in uniform and take a fire engine or ladder truck, depending on what vehicles are available at the fire station at the times of the presentations.
Firemen also bring a small robotic fire truck and videos about fire safety to show the children.
One of the highlights for kids during fire prevention week is the coloring contest for second graders. Connor said the program presented at the schools by the fire department only takes about 30 minutes, and teachers cover fire safety in the classroom in addition to the fire department's demonstration. It's important for kids to be prepared to deal with potential dangers. Harris said one of the most important things about the fire department's presentation is the educational newsletter students are given to take home and share with their families. This newsletter provides fire prevention education in a manner that reaches parents and aims to help families start discussing fire safety in the home, he said.