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Project Airy the Canary
Scope: This project incorporates carbon monoxide alarm education into regularly scheduled Fire Prevention Week (FPW) activities which take place annually in October. The project includes a free CO alarm distribution event at the local Fire Department Open House. We are piloting this project locally in Longview, Washington, and expanding as financial sponsorship allows.
Detail: We adopt one or more elementary schools each year (depending on funding). These schools receive a carbon monoxide alarm for each classroom to use as a demonstration model along with CO educational materials. Teachers introduce students to basic carbon monoxide alarm concepts using interactive discussions and activities in advance of FPW. The Airy the Canary mascot is used to help students understand the function of a carbon monoxide alarm, tying in the history of using canaries in coal mines. Students are encouraged to talk to their parents about the need for carbon monoxide alarms in their home. Additional educational flyers are provided to the PTO group and are sent home to parents with details about the project and the suggestion to continue the activities at home with their child. The CO alarms remain in the classrooms for continued voluntary teaching use with students afterward (e.g. to model alarm maintenance activities such as testing the alarm monthly and changing the batteries, as well as reminders to pack a CO alarm when going on vacation).
During regular FPW visits to Longview elementary school classrooms, firefighters remind students of the importance of having both carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in their homes. Take-home FPW materials include carbon monoxide information along with a voucher that can be redeemed (as quantities allow) for a free carbon monoxide alarm at the Fire Department Open House. The free alarms are distributed by Jenkins Foundation volunteers at Open House along with additional tips on how to stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning, including the importance of carrying an alarm when traveling as well as incorporating carbon monoxide into their Home Emergency Escape Plan.
Target audience: elementary school students and parents
2019 Project Partners: Mint Valley Elementary School, Robert Gray Elementary School, Longview School District, Longview Fire Department, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue
2019 Sponsors: Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, Dream Dentistry, Fischer Insurance Agency Inc, Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc, Bryant Bowman, Raphielle Chynoweth, Haslam James, Doug Jenkins Family, Mary Mesneak, Linda Waterman
2018 Project Partners: Longview School District, Longview Fire Department, SafeKids Lower Columbia, Jeffrey Lee Williams Foundation, Mint Valley Elementary Staff & PTO
2018 Sponsors: Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, Dream Dentistry, Mary’s Bar & Grill, State Farm offices of Scott Fischer and Bob Beal, Monticello Park Inc., Civic Center Properties Inc., Hollinger Family, Lori McDaniel
Facebook/thejenkinsfoundation #ProjectAirytheCanary
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Alarm Yourself in CPR/First Aid Training
Scope: This educational effort incorporates basic concepts about carbon monoxide poisoning and alarm use into existing CPR/First Aid Training. This project is currently underway in the Longview School District (Longview, WA) for employees who attend CPR/First Aid Training during the 2018-19/2019-2020 school years.
Detail: Class instructor includes basic carbon monoxide information including:
- where/how exposure can happen
- lifesaving value of alarms and importance of being familiar with warning sound
- what to do when alarm sounds and/or carbon monoxide exposure is suspected
Each class attendee receives a free carbon monoxide alarm that can be used for home or travel and is encouraged to tell their friends and family about the importance of having carbon monoxide alarms.
Target audience: school district employees
Project partners: Longview School District, HeartStart NW, Jeffrey Lee Williams Foundation
