EX-ART TEACHER EDUCATING PUBLIC ON FIRE PREVENTION

It was a stretch for Michael Morgan, going from Perryville Junior High art teacher to Cape Girardeau firefighter.

But the job was open, the training available, so in 1987 he joined the fire department.

Today, Morgan serves a dual role as inspector and public education director, working on the prevention side of firefighting.

Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9 through 15, is a busy one for Morgan.

He conducts a poster contest for area fifth graders, participates in fire drills and helps conduct tours of the station on Sprigg Street.

As a firefighter, he saw immediate results from his work -- his unit arrived, the fire went out.

In education, effects aren't too visible until a home ignites. Morgan cited as an example a recent fire on Benton Street, during which several children escaped through a window.

They knew not to hide under beds or in closets, and they might have known to "stay low and go" to avoid smoke inhalation or to "stop, drop and roll" should their clothing ignite.

"My education background has been very beneficial," Morgan said. "But I'm limited as to how much I get out to the scene. There's just something about being on the fire crew, getting out there with everyone else and beating the fire."

Morgan said he appreciates everyone's role in fighting fires, whether it is directly or indirectly.

He credits Lt. Paul Breitenstein with developing or perfecting many of the educational programs in use today.

As a fire marshal, Tom Hinkebein educates the public differently. He comes in on the front end of construction, examining plans and building work, checking for clearly marked exits and fire hazards.

Hinkebein joined the department in 1976 after four years as a police officer.

"I was ready for a change, but I wanted to stay with the city," he said. "This job has always been interesting, and when you go out to a fire, people seem to appreciate the job you do."

Fire marshals didn't deal with preplanning very much in the 1980s. If a hospital or large complex was under construction, an inspector would check it.

Other commercial buildings usually were skipped.

The improvements are noticeable today, Hinkebein said, in that more exit markings and emergency lights are installed.

It is easier to catch errors in the construction than to retrofit the building at a later date.

"Most of my problems are with people just not knowing what's in the code," Hinkebein said.

While Fire Prevention Week ends Saturday, Morgan and Hinkebein will remain busy teaching Cape Girardeau residents how to protect their homes, possessions and lives.

To schedule a presentation for a classroom or organization, call Morgan at 334-3211.