Vernon Hills High seniors get a last lesson in fire safety
They're not as flashy as laptop computers or MP3 players, but the gifts soon-to-be-graduating Vernon Hills High School seniors received Wednesday were just as sincere.
Following a rehearsal for tonight's graduation ceremony, every teen received a blue-and-silver drawstring bag containing a smoke detector, a battery-operated candle, a DVD about dorm fires and other safety-themed items.
The packages were courtesy of the Countryside Fire Protection District, which serves Vernon Hills and other nearby communities.
"We hope that they just continue with fire and life safety as part of their lifestyles," Countryside Chief Jeff Steingart said.
The kits were designed to promote fire safety in dormitories and college-town apartments. Between 2000 and 2006, at least 94 people died in campus-related fires, according to the Center for Campus Fire Safety.
Steingart, who came up with the idea, said he wanted to give one more safety lesson to the teens before they left high school.
"Whether they stay at home or live in a dorm or go into the military … we want to make sure our message follows them," he said.
The fire department purchased some of the items for the kits. Others were donated by the local Wal-Mart store and by DaVita VillageHealth, a Vernon Hills company.
The gifts are important, DaVita employee Jamie Shimanek said, because the teens won't have their parents to watch out for their safety at college.
The students appreciated the sentiment. Many were visibly excited upon opening the bags Wednesday.
"I think it's pretty sweet they're looking out for us, even when we go away," said Dale Moore, 18, of Vernon Hills.
Seventeen-year-old Chelsea Barrile thought her gift bag was cool, too.
"My boyfriend's away at college, so I've seen some of the stupid things that go on in dorms," she said.
Steingart wants to expand the program to other schools within the fire district next year. He hopes other departments will follow suit.