Send in the Clowns
The Germantown Fire Department’s LAFS (Learning About Fire Safety) Clown Troupe was formed in 2000 to provide an entertaining way to teach children (and others young at heart) about fire and life safety. The Clowns use comedy to teach and entertain. The Troupe is made up of members of the Germantown Fire Department dedicated to reducing fires and injuries through prevention and education.


The Germantown Fire Department’s LAFS Clowns include:


SCOOP		 I’m SCOOP. I love kids and spend a lot of time with them. I love soccer, baseball and any other sport. The fire fighters here in Germantown have shown me how many kids get hurt playing with matches. A lot of fires have also been started by kids playing with matches. Many of these fires have burned some really cool toys that they no longer get to play with. But even worse, many of these fires have hurt the kids themselves. Be smart – don’t ever play with matches.
My world is for all the boys and girls. My dad was a Fire Clown. My mom was in the Circus. That’s where they met. I followed in my parents’ footsteps to become a Fire Clown. Through working with the fire fighters, I learned first-hand how Smoke Detectors save lives. See some of my tips on Smoke Detectors below.
SQUIRT

CRASH		 I am always trying new and exciting things. They call me Crash because I crash a lot. Since I crash a lot, I have learned how to best protect myself when I crash. Now, whenever I am playing, I use the proper protection. For example, when I ride my bicycle, skate board, scooter, or roller skates, I always wear good protection, such as helmets and knee and elbow pads. Now when I fall, I can get back up and continue to have fun. If you’re the kind of kid that likes to do a lot of fun stuff like me, be sure you wear your helmet and pads so you won’t get hurt, just like me.

I hope to see you soon. Watch for me at the local skateboard parks, riding my bike in the neighborhood, or hanging around with the fire fighters!
I’m the “wild and crazy” clown that loves kids. I especially like to make sure that kids stay safe so that they can have fun – like me. I love having fun, don’t you? I love children and yo-yos. I can make a yo-yo stop, drop and roll. Do you know who else should “Stop, Drop and Roll?” - You! . . . if your clothes ever catch on fire. By stopping, dropping to the ground and rolling, you can put the fire out so that it doesn’t hurt you bad. I’ve met a lot of kids hurt from fire and accidents and I don’t want you to end up that way. So, stay safe and I hope to see ya soon!
SURGE

EDITH		 As part of "The Great Escape 2000", my job is to make sure you can get out of your house alive. My friends and I are very excited to have the opportunity to teach everyone how to do this safely. Operation E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills in the Home) is one sure way to help you achieve this.

Remember....practice Exit Drills in the Home monthly and help your friends too! See you soon!!!!


Squirt's Smoke Detector Tips-

  • Smoke Detectors should be located outside each bedroom.
  • Smoke Detectors should be mounted on or near the ceiling.
  • You should have at least 1 Smoke Detector for each floor of your home.
  • Be sure that your Smoke Detectors are working properly. Check them at least once a month and be sure that the battery is always fresh. Most batteries should be changed at least once a year.
  • Have your parents show you what the Smoke Detector sounds like when it alarms so that you’ll know what to do.

    Edith's Words of Wisdom-
  • Design a home escape plan and practice using it. Have 2 ways out of the home from each room (i.e. doors and windows).
  • Install a smoke detector on each level of your home to warn you of fires, especially when you are sleeping.


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