In conjunction with Fire Safety Month, the Deer Park Fire Department brought a thorough fire safety assembly to John Quincy Adams and May Moore elementary schools in October, presented by Assistant Chief Phil Scarfi.

Scarfi, who has been conducting similar fire safety workshops for Deer Park’s schools during the past 34 years, demonstrated a working fire alarm for the youngsters, telling them to become familiar with the sound and noting that it takes an average of five minutes for a person to wake up to a fire alarm. He also discussed candle and kitchen safety, the importance of sleeping with bedroom doors closed, the need for a selected special meeting place outside, how to dial 911, and what a person should do if they or their clothes catch on fire.

“A fire in the home can be extremely frightening, and it’s OK to be afraid,” said Scarfi. “We should be afraid of fire, and if we learn what to do to help prevent it, and what to do if there is a fire, we can keep ourselves safe.”

Schoolwide fire safety programs are extremely effective in preparing elementary students for emergency situations, according to JQA Principal Christine Criscione. “Our students are fortunate to have the resources of Assistant Chief Scarfi and our wonderful Deer Park Fire Department,” added May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “We all need to be careful and educated when it comes to fire safety. Our students know how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm – to get low and get out when they hear it. A child who practices these skills ahead of time will have a better chance to be safe. Just a little bit of planning can make a big difference for our families.”

At the conclusion of the program, Scarfi gave every grade and class at both schools a chance to view one of the department’s fire trucks, demonstrating the fire hose and other firefighting tools to the eager children, many of whom donned red toy fire helmets.