Field trip to the Fire Station!

It was very last minute, but we made if happen. We took a field trip to the Lilongwe Fire Station on Friday. I was a little nervous about it. I had heard stories from other teachers, but I decided it would be fun and my kids loved it!!!!

I honestly didn't even know we had a Fire Department in Lilongwe! There is one little office/control room in this building, and then there are two trucks (I think one is broken) parked in this huge lot where there are all sorts of other trucks and tractors parked.

When we first arrived, we were brought into the "Control Room" which is about as big as your standard office. All of my kids were filed into the room and then a Fire Chief spoke to them about fire safety and such. He also explained the system they use there to get the fire truck to the site of the fire. I couldn't stop from laughing while he was explaining it!
So, there is one guy...ONE GUY who sits in that control room ready to answer phones. There are four phones. Once he has received a call about a fire, he then collects the information on a piece of paper which is on his clip board. Then, he yells out of the window to whoever can hear him "Fire!" and then sounds a bell. Then, the 7 fire men pile into the truck, take the piece of paper and go to wherever the fire is. I suppose it would be unfortunate if there happened to be two fires at one time, or even worse, if you happened to call and the ONE guy in that control room had stepped out to use the bathroom or have his tea break! I seriously could not contain myself, it was so funny listening to him explain the system. As you can see, my kids listened very attentively. The first picture is of my kisd walking into the control room. Notice how nicely they walk in a straight line with their hands to their backs....I taught them that!
Here they are in the control room, memorizing one of the four telephone numbers which is 999. The other three are regular numbers like: 01756437. I guess maybe they have the 999 number so that children can remember it. Who knows.


After being in the control room, they bring the kids outside to meet a fireman! He explained different parts of the truck and just talked about fighting fires. Then, he pretended that there was a real fire, and took the kids on a ride inside the truck. I have 21 students, and it looked to me like the cab of the truck would only fit about 6 of my students, but they split up my class and packed them all in in just two trips!!! Kids were sitting on each other's laps, much like riding a mini bus!

Before they went on a ride, we had a class photo in front of the truck. I have such a beautiful class!!!!
After each group got to ride on the truck with the siren going off, each student got to spray the hose! This was my favorite part, as I got to watch them excitedly have a turn spraying the hose. It was so difficult for them to push the lever! They are so little, the fire chief had to help them.





After each kid had the chance to spray the hose, it was time for us to go back to school. We had one last picture with the fire truck. Over all, it was a very successful field trip. Mr. Owen (my assistant) and I had a blast laughing at the kids and just enjoying our day out with them.
Here is a funny video! One of the groups were just getting back from driving around the parking lot, and apparently, my student Daniella found the loud speaker controller and started yelling into it! She was announcing that the group was returning, and also wanted to tell us "MERRY CHRISTMAS!". It was so funny!!! I guess it didn't bother the fire chief or the driver too much, because she was blabbing on it for quite some time.