For many young children, firefighters are larger than life. They drive big trucks, wear special gear, and show up when people need help. For a young child, all of that equipment can also feel a little unfamiliar.
Meeting firefighters, exploring a fire truck, or practicing fire safety skills can help children understand what they are seeing and who these community helpers are. When children have a chance to learn in a calm, welcoming setting, unfamiliar things start to make sense.
A Day with the Brooklyn Center Fire Department
Recently, Way to Grow’s Together We Grow group wrapped up the program year with a special visit from the Brooklyn Center Fire Department. Families spent the day learning about fire safety, exploring a fire truck, and meeting the people who help keep our communities safe.
Associate Supervisor Roxy shared this about their visit:
“We had the pleasure of welcoming back the Brooklyn Center Fire Department for a fire safety education class, followed by an exciting tour of the fire truck. Each family had the opportunity to experience the popular water hose activity, and our families also enjoyed meeting fire dog, Brooklyn! Great job to the BP Team for all of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to the families we serve!”
Children met firefighters, climbed aboard the truck, tried on firefighter hats, and learned about fire safety in hands-on ways. There were lots of smiles, laughs, and opportunities for families to learn together.
For many children, it was a chance to see firefighters not as strangers, but as helpers.
Why Hands-On Fire Safety Education Matters
Young children learn through experience, by asking questions, trying new things, and practicing skills alongside trusted adults.
When children have a chance to meet firefighters before an emergency happens, it can help replace uncertainty with familiarity. The next time they hear a smoke detector or see a firefighter in full gear, they already have a connection and an understanding. They know these are people who help.
Children often feel more secure when they know what to expect. Just like practicing a bedtime routine or talking about the first day of school, when children practice safety skills, they build confidence and learn what to do.
Simple Home Fire Safety Steps for Families
Seeing the fire truck up close was fun and exciting! At the end of the event, parents and kids were reminded to check on these fire safety basics for their homes:
Keep your plan simple and clear so you and your children remember what to do in an emergency. Practicing a safety routine together helps your child understand what to do and reminds them that the adults around them are prepared. You might say: “If we ever hear the smoke detector, we go outside right away and meet at our special spot.” Remember, a little preparation goes a long way!
Fire Safety Resources for Minnesota Families
Many local fire departments offer family fire safety programs, station tours, smoke detector support, and community events throughout the year. If your family is interested in learning more, start with your local fire department. You may be surprised by the resources already available in your community. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the State Fire Marshal Division also provide free fire safety resources for families.
Learning Happens Everywhere
With Way to Grow, learning happens in everyday moments and new experiences alike. Whether families are reading together at home, connecting with other parents, or learning about fire safety from local firefighters, every experience adds to a child’s understanding of the world.
Along the way, children build confidence, knowledge, and a sense of security. Lessons like these can last long after the fire truck drives away.
Keep Learning Together
Explore the rest of our Children’s Awareness Month Safety Series for practical tips and resources:
- Severe Weather Safety for Families: Helping children stay calm and prepared when storms roll in
- Water Safety for Young Children: Simple ways to stay safe at lakes, pools, splash pads, and beyond
- Building a Family Emergency Kit: A step-by-step guide for creating a kit that works for your family
- Keeping Kids Safe: A June Safety Series for Families: Explore the full series and additional family resources
Together, these articles offer practical ways to help children and families feel prepared, safe, and secure.
