JMCSS students get hands-on fire safety training

JACKSON, Tenn. — Students in the Jackson-Madison County School System learned how to prevent and put out fires Tuesday.

Eighth graders from Jackson Careers and Technology Magnet School practiced putting out a fake kitchen fire.

“When you come through this facility, we want you to start thinking about those things that you may be doing at home that may be unsafe,” Jackson Fire Department Public Education Coordinator Rico Bryson said.

Bryson said they are the first group of Jackson-Madison County students to visit the Freeland Reaves Life Safety House. The facility simulates real life situations like a fire or tornado. Students learned how to prepare and respond.

Firefighters also let students look at the fire truck plus try on turnout gear.

“We hope that they will be able to carry this with them throughout their life and also be able to go back home and share this with their family,” JMCSS Marketing/Public Relations Specialist Ginger Carver said.

Bryson said this hands-on training could save a life. “We’re just trying to help people plan better before they start cooking, plan before there’s a tornado, plan before if there’s a fire within the home,” he said.

Bryson said they hope to have between 2,500 and 3,000 students visit the facility this school year.

The safety house opened July 1.