By Rob Forleo
Special to the Voice
As part of Fire Prevention Month in October, the West Haven Fire Department visited Washington Elementary School and Savin Rock Community School to teach students important fire safety lessons. Fourth graders had the opportunity to experience the department’s smoke trailer, a hands-on tool that simulates what it’s like to be in a room filled with smoke. They also got to meet Danny the Dog, a furry member of the department, and learn about his role in helping the community.
Fire Marshal Roger Sicotte explained that the visit is about more than just showing kids what fire looks like—it’s about encouraging them to share safety knowledge at home.
“I want kids to understand the importance of working smoke alarms, having an exit plan, and a designated meeting place so everyone can be accounted for,” he said, emphasizing that these lessons are meant to extend beyond the classroom. He added, “Checking smoke alarms regularly and changing the batteries every six months can literally save lives. I’ve seen far too many tragic situations where alarms weren’t working, and it could have made all the difference.”
By teaching students these key safety practices, the department hopes the information spreads throughout the community and encourages families to take simple but vital precautions.
Before entering the smoke trailer, students learn essential safety rules, including the difference between “good” and “bad” fires, and how to react if clothing catches fire.
Inside the trailer, they practice crawling low under simulated smoke, checking doors for heat, and following a safe exit plan. Fire Marshal Sicotte described the process:
“We teach them to keep bedroom doors closed, follow a plan, and never go back inside a house once they’re out. Smoke is what hurts or kills most victims in fires, so staying low and knowing the exit path can make all the difference,” he said.
He explained that practicing these steps in a controlled environment allows children to internalize them, giving them confidence to act quickly and safely if a real fire occurs.
He also highlighted the broader purpose of Fire Prevention Month, noting that while firefighters think about fire safety every day, the general public often does not.
“This month is a chance to remind the community about fire safety. This year’s theme is ‘Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,’ and we focus on safe charging practices and checking smoke alarms regularly,” he said. “Using certified chargers, keeping devices on hard surfaces while charging, and avoiding charging on beds or couches may seem simple, but it prevents a lot of fires. We also share seasonal safety tips, from heating safety to holiday decorations, to keep families prepared all year long.”
By aligning these reminders with the seasons, the department ensures families are aware of the risks around them and can take steps to prevent fires before they happen.
Through these hands-on experiences, students not only learn how to respond safely in a fire but also gain knowledge they can share with their families. Practicing the safety steps and discussing them at home helps students reinforce important habits, showing that simple actions—like checking smoke alarms and planning escape routes—can make a real difference in keeping their homes and community safe.