Countryside fire district visits Vernon Hills YMCA
In honor of Fire Prevention Week, Countryside Fire Protection District Public Education Coordinator Tony Rodkey stopped by the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills to talk with young children about “firefighter friendly”.
“If there's ever a fire, don't hide. Go outside,” Rodkey told the group of 25 children ages 3 & 4 from the YMCA's Child Development Center, 700 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Rodkey had the group repeat that mantra several times. He also told the children to remember that firefighters are there to help.
Rodkey demonstrated how he puts on his fire protection equipment including the “bunker pants”. Gloves are last, and they're the first thing to come off once the attire is no longer needed. He also crawled around the room, showing how he would work during a fire. Rodkey told the kids to “stay low and go” if they are in a fire.
Several of the children gave the firefighter/paramedic high fives and asked good questions such as, “What if we're playing hide and seek and we're hiding and there's a fire?” Rodkey repeated his rhyme about “don't hide . . . get outside.”
Lake County Family YMCA President & CEO Lynda Chott said, “We truly appreciate the Fire Department playing an important role in helping the Y teach our kids how to stay safe, especially during Fire Prevention Week. Tony's messages tie into our emphasis of fostering youth development.”
The Child Development Center at the Central Lake YMCA offers full and part-time classes divided into age-appropriate programs for children 6 weeks to 5 years. Each activity is designed to expand imaginations and encourage lifelong learning and positive values.
For more information about the Child Development Center, call (847) 367-6797.
The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Founded in 1892 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills, Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan and Early Head Start in Waukegan.