Fire prevention education starts early at U of T
New programming organized by the Fire Prevention team is taking place at daycares and early education centers across the St. George campus with the aim to prepare, educate and empower kids.
Education at the University of Toronto takes many forms. And for the Fire Prevention team, a part of Facilities & Services on the St. George campus, education can never start too early.
Since February, the Fire Prevention team has been visiting daycares and early elementary classrooms, bringing age-appropriate lessons on fire safety to children aged three to six. These visits have included trips to the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Early Learning Centre, the Campus Community Co-op Daycare and the University of Toronto Child Care on Charles Street.
“Early education is critical because young children are among the most vulnerable during fire emergencies,” says Denise Rose, manager, fire prevention services. “By building fire safety awareness at a young age, children gain confidence, reduce fear and develop lifelong safety habits.”
In these sessions, children learn how to recognize fire hazards, understand what to do in case of an emergency and feel more comfortable around firefighters and safety personnel. Officers also teach them about smoke alarms, calling 9-1-1 and the dangers of playing with matches and lighters. Fun stories, games and helmets to take home make a big impact, too.
“It’s awesome to see how the kids react in our sessions,” says Nicholas Naseer, fire prevention officer. “You can really see them taking in what we’re teaching them and having a lot of fun at the same time.”
Having already established relationships with many of these facilities through regularly scheduled fire drills, the team saw a chance to go further and to connect with, and help educate, U of T’s youngest community members. Young children can be hesitant around fully uniformed firefighters, so presenting a friendly face and allowing children to interact with the officers and their various protective gear, provides an opportunity to build understanding, familiarity and comfort.
The benefits of this early training extend beyond the campus borders, demonstrating the university’s commitment to being a good neighbour and community member here in Toronto.
“Fire safety is not only important for staff and students while on campus,” says Rose. “These are valuable lessons children can bring home and share with their families.”
Want to schedule a visit to your daycare or classroom on campus? Reach out to fireprevention@utoronto.ca to book your session.
Learn more about the Fire Prevention team and subscribe to Facilities & Services service alerts for information about service interruptions and fire drills in your building.