PIE students get hands-on fire safety lesson
Pine Island Elementary School (PIE) students received a hands-on safety lesson as Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District firefighters visited the school in recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10.
Bringing life-saving lessons directly to the youths and onto the school grounds, the crew led interactive activities designed to teach critical fire safety skills that students will carry with them for a lifetime.
“Learning these practical tips equips our students with knowledge that will help keep them and their families safe all throughout their lives,” Principal Dr. Michael Galbreath said.
Throughout the visit, the students engaged in a variety of dynamic activities.
Younger learners practiced the essential “stop, drop, and roll” technique and reinforced key safety concepts through a fun, educational game of Fire Safety Bingo.
Students also had the opportunity to ask the firefighters questions about their specialized gear, learn how each piece functions during an emergency, and even try on the heavy gear to experience what it feels like to step into a firefighter’s boots.
For students in fourth and fifth grade, the visit included an invaluable practical demonstration: learning how and when to use a fire extinguisher. Under the direct, hands-on supervision of the crew, they practiced operating an extinguisher safely.
Most students noted that they had never handled a fire extinguisher before and expressed a new sense of confidence in knowing how to respond if a real emergency arises.
The school extended a thank you to the firefighters for supporting local students and bringing critical safety lessons to life, noting that partnerships like this make learning meaningful for the youths.