24,000-hectare fire prompts evacuation
A Canadian preschool's fire safety lessons helped students remain calm during the ordeal, with one family crediting the training for their children's composure
A preschool in Summerland, Canada, found that its fire safety lessons helped prepare students during a recent evacuation due to the Bald Range Fire. The fire, which grew to 24,000 hectares, prompted an evacuation of the area.
Learning Cove Preschool in Summerland has made fire safety a part of its curriculum, teaching children how fires start and how to stay safe. The preschool has also had firefighters visit to teach children about fire safety.
One family, the Mayers, reported that their children remained calm during the evacuation due to the fire safety lessons they received at Learning Cove Preschool. Farzana Mayer, a parent, said that talking to children about emergencies before they happen can help prevent panic.
The owner and operator of Learning Cove Preschool, Kerstin Scullard, believes that teaching fire safety is especially important in the Okanagan due to the dry conditions. Scullard says the key is making sure children understand fire without creating fear.
## Why it matters Child development expert Negar Khodarahmi says that an evacuation can still be traumatic for young children, even with preparation. However, the experience of the Mayers and the efforts of Learning Cove Preschool highlight the importance of teaching children about fire safety and emergency preparedness.
The preschool's approach to fire safety education has shown that it can help children remain calm in emergency situations. As the region continues to deal with the aftermath of the Bald Range Fire, the importance of fire safety education and emergency preparedness cannot be overstated.
