When a Goshen family of six was awakened by a fire alarm at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 25, they did not realize that a fire was raging downstairs near the wood stove. The early warning of the alarm allowed the parents and their four young sons to safely escape the flames, according to news accounts.
This family had practiced an escape plan for their home. When the alarm rang they all reacted in a quick and planned manner to escape. They knew that house fires can be fast, hot, with heavy dark smoke. Their three oldest sons, aged 9, 7, and 4, quickly exited their rooms with the parents carrying the 2-year-old to the safety of the outside.
The family lost their home and all possessions to the large fire fought by 10 area fire departments with 50 firefighters. They saved themselves because of working alarms, a safe and fast exit plan, and children who understood the need to escape a fire quickly and safely.
Thanks to the chief and volunteers of the Goshen Fire Dept and a student awareness of fire education (SAFE) program they present at schools and region events. This SAFE Program prepared the children and the parents what to do when fire strikes the home.
This Goshen family survived alive because of working alarms and a SAFE fire education program in the community. SAFE is for senior citizens likewise. Support SAFE in your community.
Frederick Clark
Greenfield Public Safety Commissioner