October is more than Halloween... It's Wildfire Prevention Awareness Month!

When I was growing up with my siblings, our main concern during October was what we were going to wear for the school Halloween party. For me, no princess costumes. In my view, that kind of costume is boring and uncomfortable. I wanted to be a super hero, like Bat Girl (my favorite) or Superwoman. However, my mother's idea of a proper Halloween costume for a girl differed from mine. Consequently, I always ended up wearing tiaras and Sleeping Beauty outfits -- that I always managed to destroy while in the playground.

Looking back, I'm thinking about the impact heroes made in my life. Heroes are those who save the world from evil forces, who protect those who cannot protect themselves, and who teach us behaviors to become better citizens, better people. Children want to emulate their behaviors and want to be like them or become their helpers around the globe.

I am amazed today that when children learn about and/or meet Smokey Bear, they are struck with the hero-like awe. After all, Smokey is the guardian of the forest, the one who protects living things by teaching humans to refrain from careless behavior that could start a fire.  This is why is so critical to introduce young children to the importance of wildland fire prevention.

You can start by using our illustrated Smokey Bear story book. This tool has been used all across the nation with a diverse group of children. Not so long ago, Forest Service fire prevention practitioners used it with people with hearing disabilities. Yes! They translated it to sign language, and it was a great success! 

The Smokey Bear story book comes in two formats: the teacher’s version that is a large book they can use to read to the entire class or the students version, which is a smaller hand-held book. Both come in English and Spanish, just visit us http://www.symbols.gov/ for more information.   

Once you introduce Smokey Bear and his prevention message to your children, contact your nearest Forest Service or State Forester’s office to schedule a visit by Smokey Bear to your classroom. In most cases, an official escort will be provided so you can have more information on fire prevention practices, games, and techniques. Children will see Smokey and who knows? Maybe Smokey can bring some mementos for the children so they will remember him and his message through the year.

Incorporate writing in your lesson, and encourage your children to write thank you notes. Mail them to simply Smokey Bear, 20025. Smokey personally reads all his mail.

(Coloring sheet provided by Fred Turk from the Virginia Department of Forestry.)

So, this October do something different and help Smokey spread his wildfire prevention message.  And, Remember....Only YOU can prevent wildfires!