Fire Safety/Fire Engine!

We had a super fun MOPS meeting yesterday! The Bradfordville Fire Department firemen came to speak to us about Fire Safety, and brought a fire engine for the MOPPETS!  After some really yummy food provided by the Candyland Cuties table; and a very relevant devotional by our Prayer and Care mom, Sharon, the firemen answered all our questions about fire safety and gave us some really useful tips such as:

• A fire alarm is only good if it actually works-change your batteries at DST so you won't forget.
• Fire alarms should always be near the kitchen and bedrooms.
• Never leave bathroom exhaust fans on for long periods of time, because lint gathers in them, and they can lock up, causing a fire.
• NEVER leave your house with a washer/dryer or dishwasher running.
• It is best to unplug computers, power strips,  and other appliances before leaving the house in case of an electrical short.
• Always call 911 in the event of a fire-NEVER call the actual fire station, as the firemen may be out speaking to a school or a MOPS group :-).
• Have a home fire safety plan.  Designate a place to meet outside of the house, preferably one that can be seen from a window or the front door so you can just visually check to make sure everyone's out before you head out yourself.
• In the event of an electrical fire, DO NOT put water on it-you could be electrocuted.  Turn off the main breaker to the electricity.
• Make sure your house is properly marked, and give the 911 operator a cross street so that your house can be easily located in the event of a fire.

The MOPPETS workers then brought all of the MOPPETS upstairs so that we could all go see the Fire Engine!!!  The kids got to climb into the truck if they wanted, and learn about the different equipment on the fire truck.  They got to see one of the fireman put on his full fire-fighting uniform, and then they lined up to give him a high five.  Each child received a Tallahassee Fire Department coloring book, and a sticker. The smiles on the kids' faces were priceless (except for one little one who was a little frightened-the fireman DID look a little scary in his full uniform and mask)!  We managed to herd all of the kids to the front of the fire engine to get a group picture.  How adorable are they!?

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 11th and a really fabulous photographer with YEARS of experience in photographing infants, children, families, weddings, and any special occasion/event you can think of is coming to speak to our MOPS group about how to spot, look, and take a great picture!  Please bring 1-2 pictures to share.  I have known Cindy for over four years, and she has become not just our family photographer, but a dear friend.  She is a strong Christian woman; has two fabulous boys; and used to be in a MOPS group when her boys were babies.  We are so blessed to have her as a speaker!