Wyckoff Firefighters Teach Safety With Cuddly 'Sparky'

WYCKOFF, NJ — One split-second mistake can cost a child his home or family. The Wyckoff Fire Department and a Bergen County-based State Farm agent teamed up to give kids a kit to teach them about fire prevention and safety.

State Farm agents have been distributing Sparky Educator kits to fire departments and schools across the country, including Wyckoff. The "Sparky Educator kit" includes a Sparky stuffed animal, an educator book, lesson plans, and books for children.

The resources educate preschool and elementary students on topics such as the importance of working smoke alarms and creating a home fire escape plan.

“These educational materials engage young audiences in a fun and informative way,” said State Farm Agent Ed Kalpagian. “Many fires are preventable, and we aim to ensure our local kids understand how to avoid starting fires and what steps to take if one occurs.”

The Sparky kits are also useful for teaching fire safety during Fire Prevention Week this coming October.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you," visit fpw.org.

“At State Farm, our mission is to help build safer, stronger, and better-educated communities,” said Kalpagian. “By partnering with The Wyckoff Fire Department, we are bringing that mission to life in Wyckoff.”

Parents and educators seeking additional fire safety resources can visit the NFPA Sparky site, which offers educational videos, activities, games, and more.

It's also essential to have a carbon monoxide detector for home or even for travel. Get more details here.