More than 1,000 grade 1 students at 25 Saanich elementary schools took part in the Learn Not To Burn fire safety programs delivered by the Fire Department this spring.
“Learn Not To Burn teaches children how to be fire smart,” said Michael Burgess, Saanich Fire Chief.
“By teaching fire safety skills, we can help a vulnerable age group be safe in a fire emergency.”
This year’s Learn Not To Burn series took place in Saanich elementary schools from Feb. 17 to April 1, and kids learned six fire safety messages to help them in a fire emergency:
• Smoke Alarms are Important
• Get Outside, Stay Outside
• Report an Emergency
• Stay Away from Hot Things
• Crawl Low Through Smoke
• Know When to Stop, Drop and Roll
Participants were given a home escape plan to complete with their parents, and receive a certificate congratulating them on taking the program.
Since 2007, the Saanich Fire Department has presented the annual Learn Not To Burn program to 550 classes and 15,500 students.
To reduce preventable fires, injuries and property damage, the Saanich Fire Department provides a wide variety of programs for children, seniors, businesses and community groups.
For more information about Saanich’s community programs, go online to saanich.ca/services/safety/Community_Programs.html.