Do you know what to do if there’s a fire? (Besides panicking, that is.) Our kids didn’t either, so on August 9th they, along with the community kids who attend our free English classes, got a detailed lecture on fire prevention and evacuation from Lieutenant Colonel Mak Vanthorn of the Kandal Police Fire Brigade and three of his colleagues, followed by some hands-on training.
The one-hour seminar, hosted here at Little Hearts, focused on the fundamentals of fire safety, helping the children understand the most common causes of household and electrical fires; simple but effective steps to prevent fires in the home; the role of fire alarms and why early warnings save lives; what actions to take when a fire breaks out; and how to evacuate a building quickly and safely during an emergency.
Lt. Col. Vanthorn and his team also talked about the importance of remaining calm, recognizing escape routes and avoiding smoke inhalation. One key lesson they emphasized was never to hide during a fire, and to call for help immediately.
After the seminar, the children had the chance to put their new knowledge into practice during a live fire drill. Under the guidance of the fire brigade team, each child also learned how to handle and operate a fire extinguisher in a controlled fire setup.
For many of the kids, it was the very first time using a fire extinguisher. They now know how to behave in an emergency, which is a valuable life skill. Fire safety isn’t just about knowing what to do – it’s about being prepared when it counts. Emergencies can happen without warning, and having the right knowledge and experience can make all the difference.
We are grateful to Lt. Col. Vanthorn and the Kandal Police Fire Brigade for donating their time and sharing their expertise. Their visit made a lasting impact, and we hope to welcome them again in the future for more life-enriching sessions.
At Little Hearts, we’re committed to more than just nurturing young minds. We believe in equipping children with the practical skills they need to grow into confident, responsible and safety-conscious individuals.