October 7 through 13 is Fire Prevention Week, and the New Concord Fire Department is taking the opportunity to educate children in the community on fire safety.

Firefighters from the department have made stops at multiple preschools and elementary schools since the start of the week to teach kids about fire safety within their own homes.

Looking at the fire trucks and getting fire safety education materials and fire helmets is exciting, but the lessons have an impactful message.

New Concord Fire Chief Brent Gates said that his department starts teaching in-home fire safety to the children in the community beginning in preschool and going through 5th grade.

“It’s amazing what kids remember every year,” Gates said.

The firefighters educate on testing fire alarms within the home and having two escape plans out of a home in case of a fire and other safety precautions.

The department also volunteers to install fire alarms into children’s homes that may not have one, free of charge.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is, “Look. Listen. Learn.” Gates said his department has been teaching throughout the week to look for smoke, listen for a fire and have a plan in place to get out of the situation.

The National Fire Protection Association provides many resources for safety, fire education, fire activities and more.