The Covington Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Month with a 120 first graders from the Newton County Theme School.
During the month of October, the entire state focuses on fire safety alone.
The Newton County Theme School’s first graders signified the beginning of a very busy month for Covington Fire. The department expects to reach over 1,500 citizens this month alone.
“Our goal is to stop fires before they occur limiting the risk of life and property loss,” Covington Fire Education Specialist Jonathan Fuqua said.
Implementing programs such as “Get low and Go” is expected to help the Covington Fire Department reach their goal of having a fire safe community.
The one hour class taught to first graders teaches the concept of getting low and quickly crawling out if ever involved in a fire. When a fire starts the smoke and hot gasses rise to the ceiling due to the natural effects of heat rising. The smoke contains deadly toxins that if inhaled could cause someone to become unconscious and even lead to death. Thermal burns can also occur due to the excessive heat released by the fire.
“Our program teaches kids to stay low under the smoke and crawl,” Fuqua said. “We also teach safety items such as feeling the door with the back of the hand, which prevents burning the palm of the hand and preventing further use.
“Finally once they reach a safe predetermined meeting place outside they are taught to stay there, call 911 and never return back inside the residence.
The department has several safety messages that are implemented throughout the year. With programs such as E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills in the Home), the CFD has seen drastic decreases in the number of injuries occurring during a fire.
Covington Fire would like to invite everyone out Oct. 16 from 6-9 p.m. at the Covington Walmart for our annual Family Fun Night. We will have several public safety agencies on hand with great safety messages and gifts. Come out for a great learning experience, free food and entertainment.
For more information please contact CFD at 678-712-9387.
