A recent house fire in rural Beckham County proved the value of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s fire safety training when 11-year-old Aiden Brown put into practice what he had learned during a demonstration at his school.
The fifth grader, and his 7-year-old sister Abigail, had just returned home from school when Aiden discovered the fire and quickly made sure his sister was safely outside when he alerted the fire department.
Only weeks before, David Turner, OKFB safety specialist, had set up the fire safety trailer outside the Sayre Elementary School where the students were taught what to do in a situation just like this.
“We teach them to get out, go to their designated safe spot and call the authorities,” Turner said.
Sayre Fire Department Chief Robert Ahrens said the Farm Bureau training saves lives.
“I can’t say enough good things about the trailer and David’s training,” Ahrens said. “He does a great job of relating to the kids as they seem to retain the information. I really do think the trailer makes a difference in people’s lives.”
The fire official added he wants Turner to make a return visit with the trailer to train the older children and possibly adults.
“I’m so grateful Farm Bureau goes to schools with their fire safety trailer,” said Melisa Brown, mother to Aiden and Abigail. “My kids are safe today because of that training. It’s a great program.”
