Alpena Fire Fighters Teach Fire Safety at Besser Elementary

Sunday was the start of National Fire Prevention Week, and the Alpena Fire Department visited Besser Elementary School to talk to the students about their safety plans in case of a fire.

Community Risk Reduction Captain for the Alpena Fire Department, Andy Marceau, said “Myself and Firefighter Tyler, we’re out here teaching fire safety to all the pre-k through second grade students.”

The one main goal of today’s lesson is that students are prepared in case of a fire. “For this year, the theme is fire won’t wait, plan your escape,” said Marceau. “So we’re making sure the kids know about having working smoke alarms in your house. Have a plan, just like they have at Besser Elementary. Have a plan to get out safe at your home and get out to that special meeting place. Always have two ways out. Check the door with the back of your hand and see if it’s hot. It’s always good to prepare for a fire.”

The captain also believes that having a safety plan, and knowledge of fire safety, isn’t just for students and their families, but everyone in the community. “Absolutely. Please, I want everybody to think about checking those smoke alarms,” Marceau said. “Make sure they have working smoke alarms. Go to the lithium battery smoke alarms, that last for 10 years. They’re the newest and greatest thing.”

Marceau wanted to add at the end of the interview that people should, “Close before you doze, before you go to bed tonight, regardless if you’re a kindergartner or a grandma.