The fire safety house is a two-story trailer that we use to teach fire safety.

There is a kitchen on the first floor where children can learn to turn pot handles to the inside, put electrical cords to the back of the counter and other kitchen safety tips.

The second floor is a bedroom complete with a bed. From a hidden control room we can pump fake smoke (created with a fog machine) into the bedroom giving every child the chance to roll out of bed, feel the door for heat and use the second way out to exit. A ladder is attached to the side of the house for the children to crawl down and everyone meets at the tree, which is the meeting place. Once at the meeting place, the children can each take a turn going to "the neighbor's house" where they can make a simulated 9-1-1 call.

Groups can experience the fire safety house one of two ways:

• We can bring the house to a school and have the program there. Our target audience for the school program is third-graders. The program begins inside the school where kitchen safety concepts are introduced and a general overview of the trailer and the program are presented. Outside, the class is divided into groups and taken through the trailer. Because of the trailer is small, we take one class at a time through the program. We begin working with a new class as soon as the first class goes outside, and so on. Each class should plan to spend about 45 minutes going through the program.
  
  
• Scout troops and groups of at least 25 may come to visit the trailer at our Fire Training Center. The scout program is similar to the school program, but since the group is smaller, an inside program is not usually given.

The structure is not heated or air conditioned, so weather is a factor. Because of this, the fire safety house school programs are scheduled in September, the first two weeks of October and April. The schedule for scout troops also is weather-driven, but somewhat more flexible since it is not dependent on the school year.

Both programs are by appointment only and may be scheduled by contacting Tricia Roberts at 913/438-4888, ext. 239.

• This is a very popular program and books quickly. We suggest you schedule 30 to 45 days in advance of your preferred date.

We are frequently asked why we don't take school children under third-grade through the fire safety house program. Children younger than third-grade are many times intimidated and scared. They've been told not to go into strange houses and many of them are still trying to sort that out. Also, because it comes to the school, parents often don't realize we are coming to visit. If we are going to show a child how to be safe while cooking, their parents need to be aware of the information exchange, and we find that often they aren't aware. A trip to the fire station or a visit from fire fighters is usually a better way for first- and second-graders to learn about fire safety.

We do allow younger scouts to go through the program at the training center because the parental participation is higher with that group. Also, if they are in scouts, they are more likely to be cooking and working in the kitchen. Even so, we strongly suggest that the kindergarten and first-grade troops visit the fire station and go through the E.D.I.T.H. Box (see fire station visits).

We don't take older kids through the program because the space is tight and frankly, they're too big to be comfortable. Other programs are available for their age group.

Another note, a specific curriculum is followed for the fire safety house program. Therefore, it is scheduled for use as a program package only and is not available for use as a booth at carnivals, fairs and other such events.