Pre-K and Kindergarten Program

The Pre-K program objectives are to introduce children in preschool and kindergarten to the following National Fire Protection Association fire safety behaviors:

• Recognize the firefighter as a helper
• Stay away from hot things that can hurt
• Tell a grown up when they find matches or lighters
• Stop, Drop and Roll if their cloths catch fire
• Know the sound of the smoke detector alarm
• Crawl low in smoke

Through the use of "Eddie D", the talking Dalmatian who rides in his own miniature fire truck and his assistants, children have the opportunity to watch as a fire fighter puts on his protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus. Children enjoy shaking hands with the fire fighter as he crawls about the room saying hello. Depending on the group size and time allowed, children are given the opportunity to try the fire fighters helmet and breathing apparatus "mask" on.

Next, it's time to play Eddie D's favorite game..."What's Hot And What's Not". Children are asked to identify which could be dangerous from a collection of objects found when Eddie D cleaned out his fire truck. In addition to harmless items, matches and a lighter are found and the children are questioned about the proper response to this situation.

A candle is also found and the children are asked to pretend that it's Eddie D's birthday and that we are all at his party. Someone at the party isn't careful and reaches over is imaginary birthday cake before he has a chance to blow out the candle. The children are questioned about what could happen to this person's shirt or blouse. (The matches, lighter, or candle are never lit!)

After it is established, in a non-threatening way, that clothing can burn, children are introduced to the stop, drop and roll procedure. Each child is encouraged to practice this procedure on an exercise mat which we provide.

The next object found is a smoke detector. Children are questioned and instructed as to what it is, what it dies, what it sounds like, and what people should do. Children are instructed that if smoke is present they should get low and go to their nearest "safe" way out (Crawl Low In Smoke).

In some cases, Eddie D's blanket is held two feet off the ground. The children pretend that there is smoke above the blanket and practice crawling to the nearest exit.

At the conclusion of the program Eddie D's coloring book, which contains pictures of the behaviors presented, are provided for the children. Teachers are provided with a resource book for the future reinforcement of the behaviors.

A typical program takes approximately 40 minutes and because of the children's active participation and interaction with Eddie D and his assistant, group size should be limited to 20 children.