Local Fire Station spreads fire safety education to schools during Fire Prevention Week.

It’s the 100th Anniversary of National Fire Prevention Week and the Meridian Fire Department has teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association to help spread awareness. The department has visited local schools to help educate students with this year's theme being Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape.

"It's very important to come out and teach the kids about fire prevention. We want them to be safe in their homes. So we're teaching them. This year's theme is Fire Won't Wait, Plan your Escape. So that's what they're learning home escape planning and what to do if they do have a fire in their home and how to get out of the house," said Rachel Foy, Fire Prevention Specialist.

The Fire Chief also stated they like to let students see a Firefighter fully dressed to prevent them from running away afraid in case of an emergency.

"We also teach children to not be scared of Firefighters. Sometimes they can look scary in their gear and they sound a little little bit like Darth Vader or something breathing down in the air packs and everything. So we like to let the children see the Firemen start from just normal people and get dressed in front of them in their fire gear and their equipment. So they know that it's just a person under there not to be scared, not to hide from firefighters if they're coming to rescue them from their house. Children have done that in the past," stated Jason Collier, Fire Chief of The Meridian Fire Department.

By visiting the schools and talking with the students The Fire Chief said it not only benefits the students but the parents as well.

"Many years ago, studies were showing at a certain age, which is the main age that we try to get to at Elementary schools and Middle schools. If you teach those children, they take that information home and they do a better job of teaching their parents than if we had

taught their parents directly," stated Collier.

Fire Prevention week wraps up on October 15th