Members of the Jefferson Elks will partner with the Jefferson fire department at the Elks fire prevention trailer to teach children fire safety at Toddler Fest this year on Saturday, April 8, from 10 am – noon. This free event is for children 2-5 years old and their families. It will be at the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson.
“The trailer is used to demonstrate fire safety,” said past exalted ruler Bill Berger. “It resembles certain rooms of a home (kitchen, bedroom, etc.) with multiple fire hazards in sight. Jefferson firefighters will show kids what the hazards are and how to be safer in their own homes. We want them to get the actual experience of touching the door, seeing if it’s warm and hearing the smoke alarm go off.”
The trailer is able to let out a stream of smoke inside and comes equipped with a small window ladder, showing kids an alternative way to exit the home. Last year more than 17,000 adults and children participated in the educational fire trailer trainings throughout the state of Iowa.
The Elks’ Fire Safety Initiative includes teaching both children and adults how to recognize fire hazards in their homes, dial 9‐1‐1, install and check smoke detectors, and severe weather awareness. Through the educational experiences associated with this program, hundreds of Iowa families are safer today because of the Iowa Elks Association and fire departments across Iowa.
