Fire Safety DVD for Kids Features Local Therapy Dogs

The Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club will unveil a fire safety DVD featuring their therapy dogs demonstrating lifesaving pointers at the 2012 Fire and Safety Festival on Saturday.

FVTDC, a non-profit organization, worked closely with the Bristol Kendall Fire Department (BKFD) to ensure accuracy of their message.

The three minute DVD uses therapy dogs to show tips including that firemen aren’t scary; to feel a door to see if it is hot; the stop, drop and roll method; and calling 9-1-1, said Megan Gessler, Secretary of the FVTDC.

Zoran Gvojic volunteered his skills as director and cinematographer.

“He was fabulous and incorporated humor into the video,” Gessler said.

“Since fire safety is presented in a humorous and comfortable way, we hope that will help children remember and recall the information," she said. "We believe they will feel more relaxed and comfortable than if there was a lecture in their classroom. If we can help one child then all the volunteer hours are totally worth it.”

“We are especially proud to have partnered with the fire department in making this video,” Gessler said. “They made sure we provided the correct information. Lt. Larry Simmons was a great sport and volunteered his time to shoot the video. We are so pleased with the turnout and it is a huge source of pride,” she said.

BKFD Fire Chief Michael G. Hitzemann said he’s pleased with FVTDC’s video.

“It’s very neat. I love the product. It’s good for kids and educational for adults too,” he said.

The DVD will be released Saturday at the 2012 Fire and Safety Festival, which runs from noon to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 1 at 103 East Beaver St.

The free event includes: a smoke simulation trailer, rappelling demonstration, fire extinguishing demonstration, vehicle extrication, kid’s firefighter challenge, safety seat inspections, stranger danger programs, raffle drawings, carnival games, prizes, Rosati’s pizza and a “pie in the face” booth featuring Yorkville’s major, police chief and others.

“It’s about providing fire safety in a fun way,” Hitzemann said. “It’s an opportunity for people to see something done that you can’t see on a daily basis. It will be a fun day and educational too.”

DVDs cost $5 and can be purchased at the festival or through the FVTDC website. Proceeds from the DVD will used to develop additional educational DVDs, such as bite prevention.

The FVTDC was founded in 2003 and has approximately 60 volunteer members. Volunteers take their trained dogs to venues in the Fox Valley area including: schools, libraries, hospitals and nursing homes.

All therapy dogs must complete Canine Good Citizen Test and therapy dog certification. Dogs and trainers are also evaluated by the club before a dog can participate in a therapy session. The evaluation includes simulated visits.