Testament to Aurora firefighters teaching fire safety in the schools

Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:

A five-year-old girl from Aurora, Illinois, showed incredible calm and courage during a house fire last month. Gracie White was in her mother’s bed when she heard the shouts. It wasn’t a drill — there was a real fire. Her mother quickly gathered her two younger sons, who were asleep, and turned to Gracie with a serious but composed tone: “Gracie, there’s a fire. We’ve got to go.”

Without hesitation, the preschooler sprang into action. She put on her pajamas, grabbed her favorite stuffed bear, and walked barefoot to the front porch of her grandparents’ house — their designated meeting spot in case of an emergency. She didn’t cry or panic. Instead, she calmly told her mom to call 911 and then made her way to safety.

“She didn’t say a word,” her mother said. “She just knew what to do.” This response was no accident. The family had practiced emergency drills after a visit from Aurora firefighters during Fire Prevention Month. The firefighters taught kids about EDITH — Exit Drills in the Home — and helped families create safe escape plans.

Fire Department Lieutenant Jim Rhodes, who was part of the team that visited Gracie’s school, said he was deeply moved by the little girl’s actions. “It’s exactly why we do this work,” he said. “It makes a real difference.”

Every October, Aurora firefighters visit local schools to teach children essential fire safety skills. From Stop, Drop, and Roll to Get Low and Go, young kids as early as two years old can learn how to stay safe in emergencies. They’re also taught to avoid dangerous items like lighters, candles, and kitchen appliances.

This year, the Aurora Fire Department conducted over 380 school programs, reaching nearly 9,000 students. Gracie is one of many kids who now have the knowledge to act quickly in a crisis. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation and education.

After the fire, Aurora Fire Marshal Gary Krienitz received a call from Gracie’s teacher, thanking Engine Company 9 for their excellent work during the school program and for helping teach the child the skills that saved her life.

“Many people think something bad like a house fire won’t happen to them,” Rhodes said. “But it can. That’s why we teach these lessons — so when the time comes, kids know what to do.”

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