Oxnard Children Participate in Fire Safety Education Day

October is National Fire Safety month and this month classrooms along the Central Coast are getting a special visit from their local fire department.

The Oxnard Fire Department host a Fire Safety Day for second grade students on Thursday; The more than 300 children from the Oxnard School District get a taste of what it is like to be a firefighter.

They were taught to stop, drop, and roll if they were on fire and were also shown how to get out of a room full of smoke.

Firefighters also showed the kids what they look like with all their gear on. At first many of the kids were frightened by the massive protective suits and the weird noises their air masks were making, but the firefighters used the opportunity to assure the kids that when they are all dressed in their gear they are there to help.

The children entered several classrooms throughout the morning to learn about different topics. They learned about smoke detectors, hazards around their house, and to call 911 if there is an emergency.

“They are able to use those skills and talk with their parents and get the whole family into the idea of fire safety and prevention,” said Oxnard City Fire Chief James Williams.

Chief Williams said this was the first year the Oxnard City Fire Department hosted a Fire Safety Education Day. Williams said he is happy with how this year’s event turned out and he hopes to expand the program next year.