Michigan Fire Marshall Educates Wilson Elementary Students on Preparedness

Michigan Fire Marshall Kevin Sehlmeyer stopped at Wilson Elementary School on Monday to make sure those students are prepared in the event of a fire.

He led off by reading a children’s story about what steps should be taken if a fire were to break out at a home. This was followed by going over how many smoke detectors a house should have, how often families should go through their escape plan, and of course the phone number they need to call.

While it’s important these kids learn for themselves, Sehlmeyer hopes they can help their older family members prepare as well. “About 60 percent of our fatal fires in the state so far this year, 94 fatalities, involving folks over the age of 40,” he said. “So, we’ve got some work to do. Three quarters of them did not have a working smoke alarm. So, it starts with the kids.”

This is the third week of Sehlmeyer’s tour across Michigan educating students on how to be prepared.