Every year in Ontario alone, approximately ten children under the age of nine, die from fire in their home. The Perth County Firefighter Mutual Aid Association decided that one lost child was too many. The Association determined that something else could be done. Area schools do a tremendous job of educating children in the classroom, but children can't understand how a fire looks, feels and sounds in a classroom environment. The Association set a goal of educating children in this area through a hands-on program.

The Optimist Clubs of Perth County were approached for funding and through their efforts, the fire safety house was purchased. The concept of hands-on fire training now became reality through the generosity of this organization.

The Fire Safety House is a 29 foot portable classroom, which can be moved to any location within the Associations area. It then becomes a hands-on opportunity to provide a comprehensive educational experience for both children and their parents. The Fire Safety House is unique in that it is arranged as a miniature two storey house with three distinct training areas, which simulate different areas of the home.

When a child enters the Fire Safety House through the living room they are informed of possible hazards associated with a fireplace, and they are taught how stop, drop, and roll can extinguish a clothing fire. The children also learn how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency and what to tell the dispatcher once they have called.

The next stage is a kitchen area. Children are instructed how to reduce fire hazards and keep themselves and others from suffering kitchen related fire injuries. Information about stove and microwave safety is reviewed as are hazards relating to sinks, hot water, cabinets and electricity, and children are encouraged to ask and answer questions along the way.

Finally, children move to a bedroom area located on the top floor. they are taught how to react if awakened by the sound of a smoke alarm. they will experience the difficulty of visibility in a room filled with "non-toxic" smoke and they will escape by learning to crawl on the floor and feel doors to see if they are hot. They children will learn to escape by climbing down a safety ladder, which leads outside to safety. Finally, they will congregate to their assigned common meeting place.

As of November 2005, 24,400 children and adults had toured the house.

In 2006 a campaign to raise funds for repairs and maintenance of the now ten year old Fire Safety House took place by soliciting the Optimist Clubs of Perth County. Once again the clubs came through with donations totaling $3,100.00. Through their generosity and support this invaluable teaching tool will be around for another ten years.

Please contact the Stratford Fire Department regarding the availability of this excellent training tool for groups of children.