'Smoke goes high, we go low': Students learn fire safety tips during Fire Prevention Week

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — On Monday, Oct. 7 Milwaukee city leaders gathered to tell kids the importance of fire safety.

As Fire Prevention Week kicks off, students from Hartford University Elementary School got hands-on learning experience on what to do in the event of a fire.

"Smoke goes high, we go low, out of the house we go go go," sang Fire Chief Aaron Lipski.

It's a catchy tune, to help kids remember how to be safe in an emergency.

Captain Belinda Bradley is the Director of Survive Alive House. She says the school was started because of the number of people and children who died or were injured in home fires.

"If they make a plan and know what to do then they can get out safely or at least be in their room in a safe area until the fire department is able to get them," said Captain Bradley.

And the kids make that plan in an actual simulation.

"By going through the program here they get a little bit of a feel of it. So if it does happen and we are hopeful that it won't but even if it does then they would be ready," said Captain Bradley.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski says this program is proven to help and it's often what the kids teach their parents that save their lives.

"They already demonstrated they know what a smoke alarm sounds like but they're going to hear one in real time. Then they go through the actions of getting low and crawling out, feeling the door before they open it. If they can go out a door what do you do then they are going to get practice coming out of a window," Chief Lipski explained.

Chef Lipski reminded the kids not to play with lighters or matches but says there's one way parents can help their kids learn to respect fire.

"It's always a good idea if parents involve their children in cooking so they see that fire can be healthy and useful if we control it and are safe about how we use it."

Captain Bradley says if you need a smoke detector you can call the Survive Alive Hotline at (414) 286-8980.

You can also call your local fire department, they will install the smoke detectors for you at no charge.