Firefighter Gary Peaton explains how some of the county's fire fighting equipment is used to save lives.

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Firefighter Gary Peaton lets children get a close look at a siren.

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High fives from this fireman in full fire gear are one way of reducing children's fears in the event of a fire rescue.

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RIDGEWAY — Students at Geiger Elementary School exchanged high fives and learned about fire safety when local firemen visited for Fire Safety Week.

Firefighters discussed escape plans with the students and the importance of fire drills and having working smoke detectors. They also modeled their firefighting gear and explained more about their job of helping people stay safe in the event of a fire.

“We showed kindergarten classes what it looks like for a man to walk through a room with gear and a pack, said Greg Gerber, deputy director of the Fairfield County Fire Services.

It is hoped that in the event of an emergency, a child would not be afraid of his or her rescuer because that child might have seen a firefighter up close like these children did at Geiger’s programming.

Gary Peaton with the Ridgeway Fire Department also visited the school and he said that the firefighters enjoy these community outreach opportunities.

Gerber noted that they had visited the school last year during Fire Safety Week as well and hopes that their efforts, and the educator’s role in teaching about fire safety, will help save lives.