PHOTOS: Waltham Students Learn Fire Safety

Do you have a fire escape plan for your home? If not, maybe your Waltham student can help you create one.

Waltham firefighters this month have been imparting fire safety tips on students in the city's schools, including private schools, as part of National Fire Prevention week and department's Student Awareness of Fire Education program, according to Waltham Fire Lt. Michael Murphy.

On Friday, Oct. 14, four Waltham firefighters a paid a visit to Henry J. Whittemore Elementary School students to teach them the finer points of how to survive a fire. The lessons are meant to help students "understand the firefighter as friend," instead of a suspicious man entering a home. Murphys aid oftentimes children don't recognize firefighters as being friendly since the gear the way makes them looki imposing, Murphy said.

"I think they actually get it," Murphy said of the lessons. The key, however, is for parents to reinforce the lessons at home. "I think they have a great time with it."

Fire Safety Tips

• Create a fire escape plan, with routes and a meeting place outside of the home.
• When a fire breaks out, get out of the house and stay out.
• After escaping, call 911.
• Don't go back inside for any reason.
• If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll.