Learners and staff of Protea Primary School in Napier had an exciting educational experience when members of the Napier Community Policing Forum (CPF) and firefighters from the Overberg District Fire and Rescue Services visited the school recently.
The fire-awareness programme started with a practical demonstration in the form of an emergency evacuation practice. Ivan Boshoff, chairperson of the Napier CPF, reported this exercise went off smoothly with the learners assembling at the designated emergency assembly points “in an acceptable time”.
He added the teachers were on hand to assure an orderly and controlled process and roll-call before Henley Scheepers, the shift commander, taught his captivated audience important lessons regarding fire safety.
There was great excitement when one of the learners got to don some of the firefighter gear and was allowed to handle a hose with the assistance of the firefighters to spray some water.
“The learners clearly showed they were enjoying all the activity,” Boshoff related, “especially when the school principal was put to the test, as they were, with the force of the fire-hose pressure.”
The excitement of the day was topped off when the fire trucks departed from the school with flashing lights and sirens blaring, the learners waving them off.
Boshoff described the event as a big success with many learners indicating an interest in becoming firefighters after the demonstration. He thanked all role-players who contributed to the success of the programme.
