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Fire-conscious HB kids plan for a 'great escape'
by Robb Fulcher
In a program that fire officials believe has saved 58 lives nationwide, Hermosa schoolchildren are once again planning their individual versions of "The Great Escape."
The program, launched in 1998 by the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, offers a competition in which kids in kindergarten through fourth grade plot out escape routes for their families in case home catches fire.
The children draw floor plans, some of which are submitted in crayon, that include two escape routes from each room and a designated family rendezvous spot outside.
The program also shows children how to escape a burning home, including crawling under smoke and feeling doors for heat.
Officials of the nonprofit association said they have documented 58 lives saved as a direct result of families' participation in the campaign, including 35 children under the age of 12.
Locally, Hermosa firefighters have brought the program to about 700 kids in the past two years, said Kim Bridges, the department's public education officer.
The program culminates with families across the country and in Canada practicing their escape programs in a "national fire drill" 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. Locally, the families are invited to the Hermosa fire station on Pier Avenue for an open house with light refreshments and a review by firefighters of the escape plans.
In previous years local businesses have donated money for prizes for the children , including skateboards and gift certificates, and restaurants have catered the open houses. Two restaurants, Dano's and Invitation to India, already have expressed an interest in participating again this year, Bridges said.
For more information call 376-2479. ER