Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
Five-year-old Gracie White from Aurora was almost asleep in her mother’s bed last month when she suddenly heard loud noises. It wasn’t a game or a drill — it was a real fire. Her mom quickly woke up her two younger brothers, who were just 1 and 2 years old, and then turned to Gracie and said, “Gracie, there’s a fire. We need to go.†Without hesitation, the young girl got up in her pajamas, grabbed her favorite stuffed bear, and walked barefoot next door to her grandparents’ house — their prearranged meeting spot in case of an emergency.
“She didn’t cry or say a word,†her mother later recalled. “She just told me to call 911 and calmly went to the front porch.†This calm response was no accident. The family had practiced these drills after Aurora firefighters visited Gracie’s school during Fire Prevention Month. The program, called EDITH (Exit Drills in the Home), teaches kids how to respond safely in case of a fire and emphasizes the importance of having a safe meeting place outside the home.
Aurora Fire Department Lieutenant Jim Rhodes was deeply impressed by Gracie’s actions during the fire on November 20 at her home on Donna Avenue. “It really makes me proud,†he said. “It shows that the work we do actually matters. When kids are prepared, they can act quickly and save lives.â€
Every October, Aurora firefighters visit local preschools and elementary schools to teach children important safety skills like Stop, Drop, and Roll, as well as Get Low and Go. They also introduce kids to EDITH, helping them understand what to do if a fire breaks out at home. These lessons are designed for even the youngest students, including those as young as 2 years old.
This year, the Aurora Fire Department conducted 383 school programs, reaching over 9,000 students. Gracie was one of many kids who benefited from these sessions. Her quick thinking that night proved just how effective these lessons can be. In fact, shortly after the fire, the fire marshal received a call from Gracie’s teacher, thanking Engine Company 9 for their excellent work and for teaching Gracie the life-saving skills she used that night.
Rhodes emphasized that many people think fires won’t happen to them — but that’s not true. “It can happen to anyone,†he said. “That’s why it’s so important to be prepared.†Gracie’s story is a powerful reminder that even the youngest among us can make a big difference when given the right tools and knowledge.
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