Ellicott City, MD – The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) and the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will work collaboratively on the new “Adopt-a-School” program between each Howard County elementary school and its neighborhood fire station. This will provide opportunities for students and staff to get to know their nearby first responders.
“Howard County is dedicated to working with our public schools, not only with this program but through the other risk reduction programs we teach in the classrooms,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “We are invested in prevention and these educational programs will foster those learning behaviors for our young leaders.”
Firefighters and paramedics will visit their designated elementary school at least four times a year. They will work collaboratively with the school system to provide training opportunities to practice life saving techniques, offer age-appropriate risk reduction strategies, and discuss life safety programs.
“Our first responders serve a critical role in the community and this is just another way for them to partner with HCPSS and serve as positive role models for our children,” said HCPSS Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “This partnership with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services will encourage students to better understand fire and medical safety, and will strengthen the connections between families and fire and rescue first responders.”
“On countless occasions, we’ve witnessed kids having to take on the role of first responder,” said Fire Chief John S. Butler. “From calling 9-1-1 when a family member has had a medical emergency, to making sure their family is safely outside of a burning house, to checking smoke alarms; they are sometimes our first line of defense. I’m looking forward to strengthening our rock-solid partnership with HCPSS to ensure that every student has the tools they need to save a life.”
Throughout the school year, HCDFRS will also teach: home fire and burn safety using the mobile classroom known as the “Fire Safety House”, Hands-Only CPR, automated external defibrillator use, and Stop the Bleed to school staff, parents, and community members. HCDFRS will also participate in at least one fire drill with each elementary school. For more information please contact the Office of Community Outreach and Media Affairs at 410-313-6039.