Meet Fireman Tom

Click's friend Tom Howard is a firefighter. One day Click stopped by the fire station to visit Tom. Here is what they said.

Tom: Hi, Click! What brings you to Fire Station No. 2?

Click: Well, I've been thinking I'd like to be a firemouse when I grow up. I really like fire trucks.

Tom: Firemouse Click-sounds good. We could be partners.

Click: I'd like that! Could I wear one of those cool firefighter's outfits?

Tom: Well, I don't think we have any in your size, Click, but maybe we could order one.

Click: Thanks! I wear size 2-M. The M is for mouse. Can you show me your outfit, Tom?

Tom: Sure, Click. I'll show you exactly how I get ready for a fire. First, before I put anything on, I take my shoes off. They come off really fast because they have zippers instead of laces. When there's a fire, every second counts.

Click: It sure does!

Tom: Then I step into my boots. My boots are already tucked into my pants, so I can just pull my pants right up. Then I put on my jacket. Everything I wear is made of special materials that don't catch fire very easily.

Click: That's good! Hey, I like your blue suspenders.

Tom: Thanks, Click. Now comes my fireproof hood. I'll tuck the neck part into my jacket, but I won't pull it up over my head until I'm ready to put on my helmet. I fasten up my jacket and put on my belt

Click: Your belt? But you're already wearing suspenders!

Tom: The belt's not for keeping my pants up. It helps me carry my gloves, a flashlight, an ax, a chainsaw-any equipment I might need. That way my hands are free.

Click: To hold the hose and stuff.

Tom: Right. I'm almost ready now. I just need my air pack and face mask to help me breathe clean air when there's a lot of smoke, and my helmet to keep my head safe-in case anything falls on top of me. And now, once I get my gloves on-I'm ready to go!

Click: Cool! But how do you know when there's a fire?

Tom: Well, Click, whoever discovers a fire calls 911. The calls are answered by dispatchers downtown. They decide which trucks and ambulances should go to each fire. They push a button that rings an alarm at all the fire stations in town. Then they announce where the fire is and who should go fight it. If they say Station No. 2, we all jump into our clothes and get going. If we're upstairs, we slide down the pole-it's the fastest way.

Click: Do you put out a lot of fires?

Tom: We do, Click. We help people in other ways, too. Sometimes we take sick people to the hospital. Sometimes we rescue boaters and swimmers who get into trouble in the water. We help people who are stuck in elevators or locked out of their houses. We make sure all the fire hydrants in the city work. We teach kids about fire safety. We're busy!

Click: I'll say. Being a firefighter might be too hard for a little mouse like me.

Tom: It's a hard job, but I think you could do it. Say, Click-you said you liked fire trucks. Would you like to sit in one?

Click: Sure! Nice view up here! Uh-oh, there's Amy looking for me. I'd better go. Bye, Tom-and thanks!

Tom: You're welcome, Click. Stop by any time!

Copyright Carus Publishing Company Nov/Dec 2007
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved