We all have a cow to thank for making our lives safer.

Mrs. O'Leary's infamous bovine was blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 300 Chicagoans and did more than $200 million in damages.

But it was this event that brought fire safety to the forefront, where it has stayed ever since that fateful day. This week, and really much of the month, area fire departments across Lawrence County are hitting the streets for Fire Prevention Week to educate youth about fire safety and help get children familiar with firefighters.

Firefighters are often recognized for their heroics when rushing into a burning building. But what should not be overlooked is the effort these men and women put into saving lives long before disaster strikes.

&#8221Fire safety really starts at a young age,“ Ironton Fire Department Capt. Craig Thomas said Wednesday after an educational exercise with daycare students at Central Christian Church.

&#8221We will see these kids again in kindergarten and it will continue until they are in the third grade.“

For the youth, fire prevention week is an adventure unto itself as they get to see the shiny red trucks most adore.

Two-year-old Landon Harbolt climbed up into the driver's seat of the massive fire truck just like he was an old pro. Buttons are flipped, shifters grabbed and radios handled. Harbolt takes to the seat like an old pro.

&#8221I want that one,“ he said while pointing at the truck as if he could just take it home and add it to his Matchbox collection.

That type of response is what the firefighters hope for with the program. Not all the youth are as receptive to the firefighters, especially when they don their full protective gear. The fear that overtakes some children just serves to emphasize the point of the community outreach - firefighters are not to be feared.

But the message of fire safety was not delivered by boring firefighters going on and on. Last year, Ironton crews reached more than 1,200 children throughout the year.

The IFD uses a short video that had youth enthralled Wednesday. The two dozen children sat quietly and watched every second, howling in laughter as the talking fire hydrants and smoke detectors delivered the messages of stop, drop and roll, have an escape plan and not to be afraid of firefighters.

Mission accomplished. Ask the youth how many want to be firefighters and the hands go climbing sky high.

If any of the lessons stick, that tiny kernel of knowledge could be the difference between life and death. If even one child's life can be saved, then all the educational efforts are time well spent.

Michael Caldwell is managing editor of The Ironton Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.