During the month of October, PHFR visits every school in the district to ensure fire safety messages are being taught to the youngest of residents. On this day, E66 Firefighter/ Paramedic Driver, Luca Petrone dons his protective gear and gives high-fives to preschool students at the Growing Tree Preschool. Fire Engine visits to preschools and Kindergarten classrooms present a "Firefighter's Are Your Friends " program to children 3-5 years old. The children are taught not to touch/play with "hot" items, what a burn is, and how to call 9-1-1 during an emergency. "It's important the children see us before and after we put on our bunker gear so they don't become afraid and hide from firefighters in the event of a real fire, said Fire Safety Public Educator Elizabeth Graham. We get down on their level and make the visit fun and engaging to break down any fears that they may have. When our firefighters go out and teach at preschools not only are they engaging the children and making a difference for them but they are also reaching the parents, grandparents, and teachers of these children and our message of fire safety has a ripple effect. It's all about keeping our community safe and that is what we are here to do. "