Firefighters are heroes who devote their lives to saving others. Every single the alarms sounds, these brave people jump aboard a fire truck and race to the location of the fire emergency. They risk their own lives every day of the week in order to rescue people and extinguish flames that have the potential to destroy land and property. These brave men and women fight smoke, flames, falling debris, and other hazards to save people and animals in peril. Kids who dream about their own future saving others will find these facts about firefighters to be interesting.
Facts About Firefighters For Kids
Firefighters risk their lives every single day when they gear up and head out to rescue people from burning buildings. Kids who are enamored with the excitement of blaring fire engines will be interested in learning more about the equipment, training, and dedication of the heroes who put themselves in very dangerous situations in order to save lives. Children's books about fire trucks share all the ways these heroes help people who are in trouble. Here is some interesting information that give kids more insight about what it takes to do the job.
(1) To be a firefighter requires hours and hours of practice.
In fact, most firefighters need to put in excess 100 hours of training before ever stepping foot inside a burning building. The exact requirements vary from state to state and include intense physical and mental challenges. Candidates must first pass a series of exams to gain entry into a firefighter academy. Once admitted, they will learn how to work as a team in stressful conditions. The program also provides extensive education about fire behavior and suppression. Investigation techniques, evacuation protocols, and vehicle operations are also covered extensively.
(2) Firefighters have a high risk of dying while on the job.
One might think this would be due to burns or smoke inhalation, but this is not the case. Approximately 45% of job-related deaths are due to heart attacks due to overexertion and incredible physical stress while fighting fires. Typically the number of annual firefighter fatalities ranges from 50 to 100. One major aberration occurred in 2001 as a result of the 9/11 attack, resulting in close to 450 firefighter deaths.
(3) Dalmatians are the official firefighter dog for a surprising reason.
Back in the mid-1700s when firefighters were transported by horse and carriage, Dalmatians were selected to accompany them. This breed of dog gets along well with horses and is capable of running alongside the carriages for miles. They would bark when fire alarms sounded, warning bystanders to get out of the way, and guarded the wagons. Even though fire trucks have replaced carriages, thus eliminating the need for Dalmatians, they have forever secured their position as the trusted and loyal companion of firefighters.
(4) The protective clothing worn by firefighters can withstand temperatures of up to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. <
This allows them to enter burning buildings while minimizing the risk of burns in the hottest of temperatures. Turnout pants and jackets serves to wick away moisture while also repelling intensive heat. The orange or yellow fabric also has silver stripes to help others see firefighters in environments filled with smoke. Firefighters also wear helmets made of heat-resistant materials that protect their heads from falling objects. Additionally, they wear protective gloves and a self-contained breathing apparatus with a supply of oxygen allowing them to move through smoke-filled environments.
(5) Molly Williams was the first female firefighter in the United States.
In 1815, Molly officially worked as a firefighter in New York City. She was a slave to a member of Oceanus Engine Company #11. During one particularly hard winter, most of the men in the company were extremely ill, so Molly stepped in to do most of the work. She soon earned the respect of the other firefighters due to her ability to handle the equipment. Today, while only 4% of firefighters are women, those who pursue this challenging career have Molly to thank for paving the way.
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