BY MIKE SAUNDERS
I'm sure you've all experienced seeing a child terrified of a firefighter in full turnouts and SCBA at a fire safety presentation. The program is going along smoothly and then suddenly the child panics and starts screaming or crying. Sometimes, it isn't sudden. You notice a little apprehension that builds throughout the presentation. You can minimize or eliminate such fears by connecting with the children and building a trusting relationship.
One approach to solving this fear is to begin your presentation in your street clothes or uniform. I recommend regular clothes for volunteers. Wear the same type of clothing the kids wear (blue jeans, T-shirt, sneakers, and the like); they'll see you as a "regular" person like their teachers or parents. As you go through the presentation, let the children know that when you arrive at the fire station for a call you are wearing the same type of clothes they wear—blue jeans, T-shirt, sneakers.
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