Tuesday October, 7 2025

Nature: Fire Prevention Program – Long Neck Elementary School

Location:  School Lane

On Tuesday, October 7th, the Fire Prevention Cohort of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company continued to provide a comprehensive fire prevention / fire safety program for the children at Long Neck Elementary School.

The pinnacle of any educational fire prevention program is a comprehensive, community-integrated initiative that not only teaches fire safety fundamentals but also incorporates prevention, planning and hands-on practice. These programs are most effective when they are long-term, age-appropriate, and supported by a unified effort from families, schools, and the local fire department.

Key characteristics of these educational programs include:

• Age-appropriate messaging: Programs like the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Learn Not to Burn or the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) Sesame Street Fire Safety Program or other equivalent topic instructional materials that tailor fire safety messages to be understandable and engaging for different age groups.

  • For young children (ages 3–5): The focus is on recognizing the sound of a smoke alarm, knowing what a firefighter looks like in full gear, and understanding that fire is not a toy.

  • For school-age children: Lessons involve escape planning, practicing "stop, drop, and roll," and learning about common household fire hazards.

• Active community involvement: An exemplary program goes beyond the classroom to involve parents, churches, preschools, daycares and the wider community.

• Partnerships with fire departments: Local fire departments should visit schools, offer station tours, and use resources like fire safety trailers for hands-on, realistic simulations.

• Engagement with families: Programs often provide materials to send home, encouraging families to develop and practice their own home escape plans together.

• Emphasis on prevention and planning: The best programs focus on avoiding fires altogether and preparing for the worst-case scenario.

• Hazard awareness: Educational materials should highlight common fire hazards, such as unattended cooking, overloaded electrical outlets, and unsafe handling of heating devices.

• Home escape plans: Critical elements include establishing a family meeting spot and designating two ways out of every room.

• Reinforcement through practice: Repetition and simulation are crucial for building muscle memory and ensuring the correct response during a fire.

Illustrated herewith are photographs of the events of the day.