Bainbridge students learn the importance of fire safety

First-graders from Bainbridge Elementary learned about the importance of fire safety recently. Firefighter Kevin Thorson demonstrated some of the safety equipment.

BAINBRIDGE -- First-grade students at Bainbridge Elementary recently made their annual trip to the town's volunteer fire department and utilities buildings.

With the help of an Indiana State Police officer, the students walk from the school to the fire department.

"This is probably the biggest (trip) in first-grade," first grade teacher Jennifer Conley said. "We've done it for a lot of years. We do it as an educational experience."

Conley said it can help the kids to see, and hear, a firefighter in full uniform. Without experiencing that, they might feel intimidated during an emergency.

"To remove fears, we give them knowledge," Conley said.

Kevin Thorson, father of one of the first-grade students, demonstrated the equipment and helped teach them about fire safety and emergency procedures.

The trip is done in conjunction with fire safety week.

Students are taught the importance of knowing their addresses and phone numbers, as well as escape procedures from their homes and bedrooms.

"It's something every kid needs to know and a lot of parents take it for granted," Conley said. "(The kids) are very interested in it and that's nice because this is the type of thing that could save a life later on."

Conley said the students tell stories they can relate to previous fire experiences, and ask specific questions like how to get out of a room with no windows or if a firefighter will find them if they hide in a closet.

In addition to fire safety, the kids also learn about the town utilities and watch a presentation from the ISP.

Utilities workers Troy Elless and Ronnie Black help teach the kids about safety with downed power lines and water emergencies.

The lesson also gives the students an appreciation for utilities workers who are out during storms.

Bainbridge Elementary has four sections of first grade with a total of 79 students.