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November 6, 2026

Manetuck Students Get Hands-On Lesson in Fire Safety

A group poses together, featuring a firefighter, a person, and a child indoors.

In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, students at Manetuck Elementary School welcomed members of the West Islip Fire Department for an engaging and educational assembly on Oct. 16.

During the visit, firefighters shared important lessons designed to help students stay safe at home and during emergencies. Students learned about the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes, as well as the steps they should take if a fire or other emergency should occur.

One of the highlights of the presentation was a demonstration showing how firefighters dress in their full protective gear. Firefighters explained the purpose of each piece of equipment and helped students understand that, while the gear may look unfamiliar or intimidating, it is designed to keep firefighters safe while they help others.

Students also participated in a hands-on demonstration of a critical skill: crawling low beneath smoke to safely exit a building during a fire. Students practiced the technique while firefighters explained why staying below smoke can increase visibility and improve safety during an emergency.

The learning continued outdoors, where students enjoyed a tour of a fire truck and saw many of the tools and equipment firefighters use while responding to emergencies. Firefighters explained how the different tools help them protect lives and property throughout the community.

A group of children sits on the floor, listening to a fire department presentation. A group observes a fire truck and listens to a person explaining its equipment.

Firefighters demonstrate safety equipment and fire gear to a group of seated children in gym. A group of children poses together in front of a fire truck and orange cone.