The latest episode of Tot School is dedicated to fire safety with a special visit from three members of Paducah’s Fire Department.  Tot School teacher, Kathy Reese, and three youngsters learn fire safety tips from Captain Ray Skibinski and firefighters Tim Kirkham and Caleb Dalbey.

Tot School: Fire Safety can be seen on Government 11, the governmental access channel of the City of Paducah, and on Paducah-2.  The episode also is online at www.paducahky.gov and the various social media outlets for the City of Paducah including Youtube and Facebook.  Check the website for Government 11 program information, videos, news releases, and broadcast schedules.

During the first segment, the firefighters provide information about how to call for help by dialing 9-1-1, the difference between good air and bad air, and how to keep smoke from getting into a room.  The firefighters stress that each family needs to have an evacuation plan and a common meeting place in case of a fire.  To be alerted about a fire, the firefighters explain the importance of maintaining smoke detectors.  The Paducah Fire Department has a program in which firefighters will come to a Paducah resident’s home and install smoke alarms at no charge.  Call 444-8521 to make an appointment.

To some children, a firefighter dressed out in turnout gear may be scary.  To help the kids get over any fear, firefighter Caleb Dalbey shows the kids the gear and puts on the boots and pants, the jacket, air pack, and face mask.  Captain Skibinski says, “A firefighter is your friend.  When you see him in a house on fire, you want to go to him.”

Staying with the fire department theme, during craft time, the children decorate a styrofoam cup to look like a Dalmation wearing a fire hat.  Then at snack time, the children make an edible fire truck using graham crackers, red icing, and Oreo® cookies.

The Paducah Parks Services Department coordinates Tot School, a preschool program for 3 to 5 year olds.  Tot School helps prepare children for kindergarten through developmentally stimulating activities that enhance a child's learning and growth.  For more information about Tot School, contact the Parks Services Department at 444-8508.

For more information about Government 11 programming, call Tom Butler, WKCTC Television Production Coordinator, at 534-3208 or Pam Spencer, City of Paducah Public Information Officer, at 444-8669.

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