From "Stop, Drop, and Roll" to Gear Demos: Firefighters Bring Life-Saving Lessons to Local Students

Hawthorne, NY - Volunteer firefighters from the Hawthorne Fire Department partnered with neighboring Thornwood Fire Department on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for a high-energy fire prevention and life safety presentation at Hawthorne Elementary School.

The joint community outreach detail focused on building practical, life-saving habits for young students ahead of National Fire Prevention Week. Responders guided classes through foundational fire safety lessons, including the critical importance of working smoke alarms, mapping out family home escape plans with two designated ways out, and practicing the proper technique for "Stop, Drop, and Roll."

Firefighters also conducted full gear demonstrations, donning their personal protective turnout gear, helmets, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) masks in front of the classrooms. The exercise helps demystify the appearance and mechanical sounds of firefighters in full gear, ensuring children feel safe and know never to hide from rescue personnel during an actual home emergency.

The interactive session featured lively Q&A with enthusiastic students, highlighting the strong regional partnership between Hawthorne and Thornwood volunteers as they work together to protect the community.