On Wednesday, Levi Roberts, a paid fireman with the Lamesa Fire Department and a volunteer fireman with the West Carlisle Fire Department, stopped by Upland Heights to talk to first graders about fire safety.

“Because the month of October is Fire Prevention Month, we like to come out and talk to kids about fire safety,” Roberts said. “I do this throughout the whole month of October with both fire departments.”

Roberts brought his West Carlisle Fire truck and gear to the presentation, but before showing the truck to kids, he spoke to them about things to remember if there is ever a fire in their home. He demonstrated what the sound of a smoke detector sounds like when it detects smoke in a home with a sample detector.

After speaking about smoke alarms, Roberts talked to the kids about what a firefighter will look and sound like when responding to a fire. In full gear, Roberts spoke to the kids and reminded them that it was still him under all that stuff.

“I think it is important to get kids interacting with a firefighter so that they aren’t scared,” Roberts said, explaining that many kids are afraid when speaking with a firefighter that is dressed in full gear. “I hope they gain a little bit of knowledge of what to do and when to do it, so they don’t panic or freeze up if this situation ever occurs.”

Roberts said that the most vital part of his presentation to kids is for them to just know what to expect.

“I want them to know what to do in the situation,” Roberts said. “I want them to know to get out of the house instead of freezing up. I want them to know what it will sound like and what it’s going to look like, so that they are able to get out of their home safely. I just think that this type of fire and emergency education will help them for years to come.”