Most of us are acutely aware that Public Educators rarely see the fruits of our efforts.  It isn't very often that we find out about a child who did not touch the matches or lighter, or an adult who has begun checking the smoke detector's batteries each month.  We can probably all attest that there are days when we wonder whether or not anyone is listening...if we are doing any good....whether our safety messages are being put to use....  It is easy to become frustrated or disheartened.  What we are doing DOES make a difference, whether we realize it or not! To remind ourselves of this, we've added this page to share our success stories. 

If you have a success story that you would like share, please submit it to Lisa Wagner.  Because of space constraints, please try to keep it to 1-3 paragraphs.  Please make sure any pictures included are in JPEG format.  (All stories are subject to be edited for spelling and grammar. )

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Fishers Fire Department, Fishers

Ron Lips, Deputy Fire Marshal/PIO

 

If you've done many preschool visits, you're probably familiar with the problem of the one little kid who's near tears the moment you start your presentation.
 
During a visit with a small group of 3 and 4 year olds at their preschool classroom, I noticed that this time it was a small girl who clung to her teacher, while tears welled up slightly in her eyes. I sat down on the floor in front of the children and ran through my presentation, using my props and stories. When I saw the little girl looking like she had an answer, I made an effort to let her be the one to give it.
 
Then came the turnout gear demo, the ultimate in scary for already nervous preschoolers.
 
I took my time donning equipment, letting all the kids, including the now less-frightened little girl, tell me what I needed next.
 
By the time I was finished with the demonstration, I had a new little friend. She insisted on helping me gather up my things as I packed up my gear to leave, and instead of getting more tears, I got a hug.
 
The little victories are the best ones.

 

 

Pike Township Fire Department, Indianapolis

Lisa Wagner, Educator

This story came to me in March of 2005 from Miss Julie, who teaches pre-K at one of the facilities where I teach a version of Risk Watch.  The child's mother had relayed the occurrence to Miss Julie, who was beside herself with excitement over what her student had done. 

When asked to pick up some matches that were lying around and bring them to her mother, Elizabeth, 5, put her Risk Watch knowledge to good use.  She remembered what I had taught her pre-K class about matches and lighters and what we had practiced doing if ever asked to touch them.  She very politely told her mom, “No, I can’t touch matches.  They aren’t safe!”  In the discussion that followed, Elizabeth explained to her mother that matches make fire and are dangerous; they are tools that are not safe for children to touch, and should be kept where children can’t reach them.  Realizing that Elizabeth was correct, her mother retrieved the matches herself and put them away, relieved that her daughter knew what to do in such a dangerous situation.  By knowing the facts about matches, Elizabeth helped her family appreciate the common hazards surrounding matches and lighters.

We presented Elizabeth with a special award during our 2006 Awards banquet.  In speaking with her parents, I found out that Elizabeth has become their official matches/lighter deputy.  She is constantly looking for stray matches/lighters and points out to her parents when they have forgotten to put them away.  She also talks regularly with her family to make sure they are keeping their home fire safe!

 

 

 

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