Stop, drop and roll is a timeless slogan. But can you remember exactly when you learned it?

For some of Aberdeen’s young students, this week might be a refresher. Aberdeen firefighters are working their way through the city’s schools, just as firefighters are across the county are for National Fire Prevention Week, reminding or teaching students the basics of staying safe in a fire.

Aberdeen firefighter Kolby Lyle demonstrates his protective gear to kindergarten students at Robert Gray Elementary on Oct. 10 as part of Fire Prevention Week. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

“(The National Fire Protection Association) puts out a theme every year,” said AFD’s fire services specialist Mitch Housden in an interview between classes. “We’ve just been building off past experiences of what works for us, and learning from other people.”

Housden and firefighter Kolby Lyle start their Tuesday morning at Robert Gray Elementary with a kindergarten class. Students sit patiently as Housden begins to deliver his patter, starting out with the difference between toys and tools such as lighters, and which are OK to touch. Housden said he has about 10 years of experience in delivering these presentations to hone his craft.

“I learned from people before me, how they delivered. Over the years I got used to working with kids,” Housden said. “Making them laugh, having a good time, keeping them engaged. They’re young minds and they get distracted pretty quickly.”

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World Students interact with Aberdeen fire services specialist Mitch Housden at Robert Gray Elementary on Oct. 10 as part of Fire Prevention Week.

As Housden goes into what a smoke detector does and challenging students to find two in their own home when they went home that afternoon, Lyle readies his gear to put on. By having students go home and ask parents where their smoke detectors are, or where their rendezvous spot is in case of a fire, they’re passing on the lessons to the rest of their families too, Lyle said.

“Teaching them while they’re young to develop good habits is paramount,” Lyle said. “It kind of depends on your audience. Teaching young kids like this is easier than teaching high schoolers. It just depends on your audience, their age, and what experience they have with fire safety.”

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World Aberdeen fire services specialist Mitch Housden points to a kindergarten student to answer his question at Robert Gray Elementary on Oct. 10 as part of Fire Prevention Week.

Principal Sherri Northington said that having the firefighters in each year helps to create that bond of trust with the students, and to help disseminate the safety lessons for both at home and everywhere else. .

“They talk to the students about the things they can do at home to be safe,” Northington said.

As Housden narrates, Lyle dons his protective firefighting gear before going around to the students. Their reaction varies — many are excited, but others in the kindergarten are initially perturbed by the full-face oxygen mask, saying he looks like a goose.

“I like the young kids; they seem to be the most intrigued,” Lyle said. “You’re teaching them good habits at a young age.”

Kindergarten teacher Kerry Tadique distributes fire safety packets to her students at Robert Gray Elementary on Oct. 10 as part of Fire Prevention Week. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

The prevention side of the job is one that’s not as visible or kinetic as racing to a fire, lights flashing, but Lyle said he enjoys making these rounds and teaching the public.

“I thoroughly enjoy it. Our job isn’t just about firefighting and emergency medicine. It’s also about going out there and educating the public. It’s surprising how many adults don’t understand the basics of fire safety,” Lyle said. “We try to be out there for everything and everyone at all times.”

Northington said she was grateful for AFD’s cooperation with the schools of the district.

“They come every year. We’re so glad they’ve been doing this,” Northington said. “We appreciate their partnership with us to do this.”

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.