Youngsters become 'Little Firefighters' in Yunlin County's disaster preparedness camp

Children in Yunlin County, Taiwan, are stepping into the shoes of firefighters through an engaging summer camp designed to teach them vital disaster preparedness skills. The Yunlin County Fire Bureau organized three "Little Firefighter" summer camps in July and August, with all 450 spots filling up rapidly within a day.

The first session, held on July 26 at the Mailiao Social Education Park, offered seven distinct challenges. These included a VR earthquake experience, a rappelling adventure, and the chance to wear firefighter gear and practice using water hoses. These simulated scenarios allowed children to learn correct earthquake evacuation postures and test their courage, while also understanding the demanding nature of firefighting.

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We hope disaster prevention education truly takes root in children's lives and cultivates crisis management abilities from childhood.

Fire Bureau Chief Lin Wen-shan highlighted the camp's goal of embedding disaster prevention education into children's lives from a young age. "We hope disaster prevention education truly takes root in children's lives and cultivates crisis management abilities from childhood," he stated. The camp also incorporated CPR training, a "Disaster Prevention Monopoly" board game, simulated drowning rescue techniques, and anti-drug and anti-fraud interactive games.

Yunlin County Deputy Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya and other local officials attended the opening ceremony. Students expressed that seeing firefighters' heroic rescues on television didn't fully convey the difficulties of their job. The camp provided a deeper understanding of disaster response techniques and increased their admiration for firefighters. The bureau plans to potentially add more sessions due to the enthusiastic response from parents and children.

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Students expressed that seeing firefighters' heroic rescues on television didn't fully convey the difficulties of their job. The camp provided a deeper understanding of disaster response techniques and increased their admiration for firefighters.