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Orland Fire hosts Kids’ Fire & Life Training and Cadet Camp
Orland Park, IL – On June 25, the OFPD hosted its annual Kids’ Fire & Life Safety Camp at our District Training Center. And, on June 26, the OFPD hosted the Junior Cadet Camp at the Training Center.
Both programs were a tremendous success in helping young people appreciate the Fire Department and also learn life safety practices that can help them, their families, and their neighbors.
Who knows, organizers said, some of the participants may also decide to pursue Firefighting as a career.
Participants learned to operate real fire hoses, planning emergency escapes, learning first aid, and exploring an Ambulance up close. The students also got a chance to see how quickly a fire burns with today’s synthetic materials compared to natural products that were used 40 to 50 years ago.
The campers had an unforgettable experience, Fire officials said!
Betsy Dine is the OFPD Community Risk Reduction Educator who organizes the educational programs for the public and our young people.
“The purpose of the programs is to educate children on fire and life safety skills, things that will help them get through life, not only as children, but even into adulthood,” Dine explained.
“At the Kids Camp, they learn about fire hazards in the home to identify situations that could potentially be an issue. We teach them how to create emergency plans with their families, and ensure that their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working.”
The kids also go through an obstacle course to understand the training firefighters go through.
“We have five different hands-on activities, including first aid, home fire hazards, calling 911, ensuring kids know the importance of knowing their home address, and why and how and when they should call 911,” Dine explained.
“We have the escape plan maze where they learn how firefighters train, and also how to use a fire extinguisher. They put water on a fake fire, and they also use a real fire hose to see how heavy it is. We want them to understand the importance of all the training that our firefighters need and use to keep the public safe.”
Training also includes using a fire ladder, and practicing a fire drill in their homes at least twice a year, Dine said.
The Cadet program, Dine explained, takes everything one step further in educating young people on fire safety and responding to emergencies.
“They learn how to ‘Stop the Bleed.’ So if they are in an instance whether they’re camping or hiking or doing outside activities with their family, or even in their home, they can help Stop the Bleed,” Dine said noting the circumstances could be serious or minor.
“They’re going to learn how to use the correct materials and, um, products to help stop the bleed properly. They also learn CPR, First Aid, and how to use an AED to be prepared for real situations.”
Dine said the programs are among many she supervises each year, along with educational presentations she and others make at local schools.
For more information, visit www.OrlandFire.org.
— Press release
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