PRENTISS COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) - First and second graders from both Hills Chapel and Marietta participated in Fire Safety Day Friday.
It's a chance for area volunteer fire departments along with other first responders to show the students some of the jobs they do.
One student said, "I learned if you're playing with matches, you'll start a fire."
Another student told us, "We learned a fire is dangerous and it can start a very bad wildfire."
Along with learning about ways to escape a burning home and staying safe during other emergency situations, the children also learned that these folks are here to help them at any time.
Hills Chapel Principal Nickey Marshall said, "If they can see a sheriff's deputy or they can see a first responder and connect those with a friendly face, they're willing to go to them. They kind of know what they're here for. They're here to help them."
The hope is that the children will go home and tell what they've learned to their parents.
The safety officials talked to them about the importance of a working smoke detector and having a fire escape plan.
Joe Grooms with the Hobo Volunteer Fire Department said, "They'll hopefully go home and set up an emergency plan for fire or a weather related emergency."
It's a way to reach out to the county's youngest residents, who officials say, sometimes have the biggest influence on adults for making sure they do the right thing.
