Learning to be Firewise

On the day before Auckland went into Alert Level 3, our juniors at the Boys’ School welcomed a crew from the Remuera Fire Service – complete with a fire engine - to talk about fire safety.

As part of a unit to learn about people in the community who are here to help us, there was much anticipation about the arrival of the fire truck – despite the rain! But there was also much to learn, as being ‘fire-wise’ is as essential for young children and their families as being ‘water-wise.’

Prior to their arrival, the boys did a sorting activity, dividing tools that can only be used safely by adults and those for use by children. In amongst these were matches and lighters to help cement the idea that these are not safe for children to have access to.

The fire crew, with all their gear, were quite a sight in the Junior School shared space! They talked to the boys about the importance of fire alarms at home in bedrooms, hallways and living areas, and how important it is for a family to develop escape plans that include determining two ways out of every room and establishing a family safe meeting place. Just as important is to actually practise getting out of all the rooms in the house and meeting at the chosen meeting place. The boys then had the chance to explore the truck.

What a difference a day makes! The following day, like the rest of Auckland’s school children, the boys woke to discover they were back in distance learning mode at home! With the visit from the fire crew fresh in their minds, it was a good chance for families to discuss their fire plans and for the boys to busy themselves with writing a reflection and getting creative with a large art and technology activity – to create their own fire trucks!

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