Americus News
By Belle Grimsley, Special to The Gazette
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
On Tuesday last week, at 2:36 p.m., Garland Hendrickson, Americus fire chief, called and said, “Hey, Belle, what are you doing?”
I responded: “I am delivering chamber of commerce flyers around town concerning the quarterly dinner.”
Hendrickson then stated that Wednesday morning the firemen were going to “smoke a bus” behind the school district office and would I like to come and watch, go through the procedure, and write a story about it.
My curiosity was very keen by now, and I agreed to be there.
I arrived at the school district office around 8:55 a.m. and Hendrickson explained and demonstrated the smoke machine simulator. He said that the bus drivers and kids go through this training every fall. The older kids at the back of the bus are taught to open doors and to assist smaller children off the bus.
Lyon County Deputy Danny Broyles and Hendrickson explained the bus evacuation simulation and how the smoke would get very dark quickly. The participants were told to stay low, check under the seats to make sure all were off the bus and to provide assistance to handicapped individuals. Everyone was reminded to make sure everyone knows how to open windows, knows how to get into a bus as well as to get off. Electrical fires happen quickly and children are instructed to leave their backpacks and get off the bus quickly.
Bus route drivers taking part in this exercise were Lee Mounkes, Jeff Shirley, Jim Dhority, John Price, Delbert Williams, Ellen Wamser, Debbie Moser, Marisa Murray, Mark Robinson, Keianna Thompson, Larry Kahle, and Marla Edwards. This reporter also took part in exiting the rear as well as the front of the bus in a total smoke blackout. Kathy Dreier, district treasurer and transportation director, also participated.
Substitute drivers Jim Maxfield, Belinda Hamli, and Frankie Karr were not present for the demonstration.
All buses are equpped with fire extinguishers and flashlights. Cell phones are used also.
Murray stated that she had never really thought about having a fire on the bus and how to react, but now this will be a concern, and the training will be passed on to the bus riders.
Chili supper, book fair
The Americus PTO will host a chili supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the grade school cafeteria. Cinnamon rolls, chili dogs, and a drink will be available. This will be during parent-teacher conferences and there will also be a book fair. These activities are fundraisers for the organization.
The events are open to the public.
Biscuits and gravy
Biscuits, gravy and sausage are on the menu for the Americus Masonic Lodge breakfast, Saturday, November 8, 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Juice and coffee will also be available.
• Items for Americus News may be telephoned to (620) 443-5546 or e-mailed to bgates38@bluestemtelco.com.