LAN Partners With Newark Schools To Provide Fire Prevention Materials To Thousands of Students

Share This Post

In support of National Fire Prevention Week, LAN Associates partnered with the City of Newark and the Newark Fire Department to teach local school children the importance of fire safety and preparedness.

Ron Panicucci of LAN Associates along with Al-Tarik Onque, Senior Aide to Mayor Ras Baraka, and fire fighters James Thomas and Jerome Fernandes participated in a presentation on fire safety and prevention to more than two hundred second and third grade students at Camden Street School. In addition to the presentation, LAN Associates – a full-service architectural and engineering firm based in Midland Park, NJ — supplied National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved educational fire prevention materials for 2,000 second and third grade
students in Newark public schools.

“As architects and engineers, we find it especially important and rewarding to educate children on the importance of fire safety and prevention,” said Panicucci. “It is important students know what to do when an emergency arises at home or in school, and that starts with proactive fire safety presentations such as the one today.”

Since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week has been held annually to educate, spread awareness, and commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.  This year’s NFPA campaign is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”, and reinforces why having a varied escape plan is so important in the event of a fire.

“Partnering with LAN Associates to provide a top-notch fire prevention education program is something we strive for in Newark,” said Fire Chief Rufus Jackson. “This is a public-private partnership on the grassroots level – and it works to enhance the culture of learning in our public schools.”

Onque praised the Newark Public Safety Fire Division for its year-long community outreach efforts, including the varied Fire Prevention Week events which will last throughout the month of October.

“On behalf of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, the City is grateful to continue this partnership with LAN Associates to bring a remarkably high-quality fire prevention and preparedness program to our youngest students” said Onque. “Our hope is that students will go home and discuss this important program and the materials with their families.”

Firefighters Thomas and Fernandes led an engaging dialogue on safety tips like stop, drop, and roll, escape plans in the event of a fire, and proper usage of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The presentation concluded with sirens from the fire truck awaiting eager students in the school parking lot, where firefighters gave a demonstration on how the fire department responds to 911 calls and the 80lb of equipment they wear.

According to a recent NFPA study, 3,390 civilian fire deaths occurred in 2016. NFPA estimates that one civilian death occurred every 2 hours and 35 minutes during that same year.

You May Also Like

Industry Insights

A Guide to Specialty Learning Spaces in K-12 Schools

A Guide to Specialty Learning Spaces in K-12 Schools An Architect’s Advice on How to Design Specialty Educational Spaces  In K-12 education, core subjects, learning ...
Read More
LAN Associates 2023 NJBIZ Leaders in Real Estate, Construction, and Design
Recognition & Awards

NJBIZ Names LAN Associates a 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction, and Design

        Major New Jersey business publication NJBIZ has named LAN Associates a 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction, and Design honoree. The award was given ...
Read More
Industry Insights

Bringing Nature to the Learning Environment: Biophilic Design in K-12 Education

Biophilic Design in K-12 Education Bringing Nature to the Learning Environment The words “I need to get some fresh air” is a common phrase for ...
Read More

Looking to Discuss a Project?

Subscribe to Stay up to Date with LAN

Subscribe To Our Blog

Blog - Subscribe Form (in footer + pop up)