HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Shirley Burden Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 8, hosted Fire Safety Storytime led by Hanceville Fire Chief Bart Absher.
The goal was to educate children about essential fire safety practices through age-appropriate lessons and activities. Absher emphasized the importance of children knowing what to do in the event of a fire.
“The most important thing is that they have working smoke alarms and they know what to do when a smoke alarm goes off. Our message is simple: Get out and stay out. Do not go back inside for any reason,” he said.
The storytime included something for every age group. Younger ones received coloring books and participated in interactive discussions, while older kids and adults were provided with more in-depth safety tips. Families were introduced to the idea of designating a safe meeting spot outside where everyone should gather after exiting the home in the event of a fire.
“I can tell kids all day long, but if the parents don’t take it seriously, none of it works,” Absher explained.
Because the appearance of firefighter gear can be intimidating, Absher described firefighter gear to help the children feel more comfortable in an emergency. Firefighting suits are composed of multiple protective layers that shield against flames, falling debris and extreme heat. The gear also includes breathing apparatuses, which may sound strange to children but are crucial for the safety of others and themselves.
Absher also discussed the most common causes of household fires and how families can be aware of and work together to prevent them.
“Cooking fires are number one. Never put water on a grease fire; cover it with a lid and take it outside,” he said. “And candles are a big one. People often leave them out, and pets, especially cats, can easily knock them over. Everything in your house today is made of a petroleum product, which means it burns fast.”
Absher also shared what he loved most about his job.
“Serving. Being able to help and serve the community and make a difference,” he said.
He said he hoped families were able to take away valuable, life-saving information from the day’s event and be motivated to create a plan in the event of an emergency. Fire Safety Storytime was part of a larger effort to raise awareness during Fire Prevention Week.
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