Fire safety program planned Friday

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will be presenting fire safety information to local school children this Friday, Oct. 22 as part of it annual fire safety and prevention initiative.

Several AVFD volunteers  plan to be at Nancy Smith Elementary School at 9:00 a.m. Friday morning for a general assembly, then allow students by grade level to “tour” two or three of the department’s vehicles.

Last week was National Fire Safety Week, with a theme of “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!”

AVFD officer Alison Gardenhire, who is also a NSES teacher, said that the emphasis of this Friday’s presentation will be educating the studentsabout the different sounds that soe and carbon monoxide alars make.

“Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe,” Gardenhire said.

She added that NSES students are always “very excited” about getting to see the fire trucks.

Last year, because of COVID concerns, there was not an assembly for all the students. The volunteers met with each class outside and had a brief presentation along with showing them the fire trucks.

“We’re really glad that we’re able to meet with the whole student body again,” said Gardenhire. “Our department believes that if we can prevent just one injury or fatality, it is well worth the time and money spent for this fire prevention program.”