SPCC Compensatory Education students learn about safety

WADESBORO – Wadesboro Fire Department Fire and Life Safety Educator Marc Sessions held up a skillet.

“Hot or cold?” he asked.

“Hot” came the answer, and Sessions handed the correct responder a piece of candy.

Then, he held up a candle.

“Hot” was again the correct answer, even though the candle was unlit. More candy was distributed.

Next, a small football.

“Cold,” answered Shelisa Cash, and as a reward she received the football, eliciting a happy squeal.

Sessions presented a program on safety, particularly fire safety, to South Piedmont Community College Compensatory Education students on Wednesday, Oct. 26, during class at the Lockhart-Taylor Center. He showed the students a couple of videos – one called “Fires and Liars” that wove a story about fire safety around a theme of the dangers of prank 911 calls, and another that spotlighted various safety hazards in the home.

He also spoke about the importance of having a working smoke detector and repeatedly emphasized to the students to tell their parents to check the ones in their homes, and if they don’t have one to call the fire department to have one installed for free.

Sessions also spoke about a variety of other safety hazards, such as the possibility of electrocution if a plugged-in curling iron were to fall in a bathtub, or tripping hazards like extension cords.

The students answered his questions enthusiastically and seemed to enjoy the break from the routine. Their beamed when Sessions took them outside to see the fire truck. There were some “oohs” and “aahs” as the students emerged from the Lockhart-Taylor Center. Once outside, they each received a plastic fire helmet as they gathered around the truck and Sessions explained what different pieces of equipment were, before taking questions from the class and some of the caregivers.

The Compensatory Education class has other treats coming up for the students. In November, they will go to the Rotary Planetarium and Science Learning Center in Wadesboro.

SPCC began offering free Compensatory Education classes for adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries in Anson County in November 2010. Instructor April Watkins said the class has grown from just one student early on to 10 who now attend regularly. There is room for more, however, and both she and LTC Basic Skills Coordinator Scott Rivers agree that there is a larger special-needs population in Anson County that could benefit. “I’d love to add another class,” Watkins said. “The need is definitely here.”

For more information, or to enroll a student in the program, contact Scott Rivers at 704-272-5468 or srivers@spcc.edu.

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Media inquiries: Rosemary Britt, 704-272-5342, rbritt@spcc.edu