Fire Safety Month

     October is Fire Safety Month.  This morning, we had a visit from Douglas County Emergency Communications along with the Lecompton Fire Department.  Both groups talked about what to do in case of an emergency.  The students heard how important it was to know their address.  I was surprised how many students could not say where they lived or tell their phone number.  This is an important thing to work on learning.  Have a long address?  Try singing your address to the tune of a familiar song.  It is also important to know how to call 911 and to identify a gathering place outside of your home in case of a fire.  Fire alarms are another important safety feature.
     Fire safety is very close to my heart.  My cousin, Josh, was killed in a house fire during his senior year of high school.  He was spending the night at a friend's house; the friend's house caught on fire during the night.  Josh and his friend were upstairs and were both killed.  The mother and younger sibling were sleeping on the main floor and were able to escape.  Fire safety is something we practice over and over at school, but because fires, fortunately, don't happen that often it is often easy to not take seriously.  I know, it only takes one time.  There may only be one chance.  Make sure you are prepared and as protected as possible.