Firefighters provide safety tips to kids

Chances are most people grew up learning the basics of fire safety such as “Stop, drop and roll” or “Duck and cover.”

But now students have new terms: tsunamis and terrorism.

Newport Coast Elementary School students learned about that and more this week. Teachers demonstrated how to check fire alarms, and make an escape route and a disaster supply kit.

It all culminated in a graduation where they accepted Junior Firefighters badges and certificates from the Newport Beach Fire Department Friday.

“Before, I didn’t know you were supposed to stay low during a fire,” fifth-grader Marissa Iacobelli said. “I think it’s the most important thing we learned because of all the fires.”

Emily Fujita’s attention focused on beach safety training.

“I was caught in a riptide once at the beach but I was OK,” she said. “You’re supposed to swim parallel to the shore and swim in diagonals.”

Graduation was an afterthought for most students, though, as they appeared more interested in the firefighting gear and the big red truck they showed off.

Engineer Terry Teale showed them where the hose was stored, explained what the truck does and when it’s needed.

“Have any of you ever heard of Darth Vader?” medic Adam Novak asked them through his oxygen mask. All hands went up and they giggled as he breathed in and out heavily like the “Star Wars” character.

One boy asked what any action-loving kid would: Is it fun fighting fires?

“Well, we don’t like fires because they usually cause damage. But there is some excitement,” Teale said. “We signed up because we like helping people.”

Add some impressed fifth-graders to the list of people helped by firefighters lately.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.