Flash the Firedog will be teaching the community about fire safety and awareness.
The Winnemucca Rural Fire District (WRFD) introduced their new mascot, Flash the Firedog, during the 44th annual Basque Festival on June 8.
Flash was adopted by the WRFD after he lost everything in a tragic fire when he was just a pup. Now, Flash is working to help the WFRD to spread awareness and education about fire safety, especially to youth.
WRFD Crew Chief Weston Stickney said that Flash will be present at many different community events with other first responders, at the local schools, and the Humboldt County Library.
Flash will be teaching safety habits such as changing smoke detector batteries, “stop, drop and roll,” properly putting out campfires, not playing with matches, and Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH) — some very important lessons for children and great reminders for parents and adults.
“Flash the Firedog is a fun and friendly way for local firefighters to connect with the community, especially children,” explained Crew Chief Stickney.
Children younger than four accounted for 44 percent of all child fire deaths in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and nearly 300 children and adolescents die from fire or burn injuries in the United States each year. Fires and burns are the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for children ages one to 19 in the U.S.
Emergency situations, like fires, are disorienting, scary and, hopefully, a very rare occurrence. Oftentimes, during a fire, children hide and put themselves in even more danger because they simply do not know what else to do.
Stickney said that familiarizing kids with first responders can help keep them safe in emergency events so they recognize those there to help them, especially when firefighters are suited up in their full gear.
“In an emergency, your adrenaline is pumping and it can be hard for kids to hear or for a firefighter to talk to them. We don’t want them to be scared of us,” he explained.
Flash is a memorable presence for kids. He can help them to remember what to do in an emergency situation, even if he is not there helping to fight fires.
Events hosted at the local library, at schools, National Night Out, and many more, featuring first responders are important in familiarizing the community with those that are likely to show up to help on their worst day.
Stickney said that following simple fire safety measures and educating and connecting with kids can prevent injury and save many lives.