DUXBURY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Before the Covid-19 pandemic, firefighters would typically go into local schools to teach children about fire safety. Now, the Duxbury Fire Department has found a way to provide that same resource, all while staying safe from the virus.
The department has created an entertaining 3-D interactive display on their website, that allows kids to learn about the same issues from their own homes.
Located under an "Education" tab on the Duxbury Fire website, the page reads, "Since we can't hold our annual Open House in-person this year because of COVID, we thought we would bring the open house to you. Come and explore the Duxbury Fire Department."
Topics covered include the "stop, drop and roll" technique, how to call 9-1-1, how to escape a fire, what firefighters wear and more.
Children and parents can even complete on a "Firefighter Quest" to test their knowledge, that they can email directly to the department.
Deputy Chief Rob Reardon said the website was built by the wife of a firefighter who is also a professional photographer.
“We were very easily able to shoot some videos, do some virtual ride-alongs," Reardon said. "We actually made a virtual tour where you can go in with your computer and you can walk around by using your mouse.”
While the web page was originally made by the department for children in the community, Reardon said the resource has quickly spread to other local cities and towns.
"It actually was a huge success, no longer did we just have that Duxbury school audience, we've had students from all over and teachers contact us asking us to use it," he said. He added that the Belmont Day School even sent a thank you note to the department for making the web page.
WBZ NewRadio's Karyn Regal (@KarynRegal) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Duxbury Fire Department)