National Geographic Kids Chapters: Hero Dogs. Mary Quattlebaum

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       • Make a plan with your family. Figure out a good escape route in case of a fire. Pick a safe meeting place outside so that the whole family can meet there. Make sure that pets have a way out, too.

       • Practice your plan. Have fire drills twice a year.

       • Check smoke alarms every month to make sure they work.

       • In case of a fire, “get low and go.” To avoid breathing smoke, crawl on your stomach so that you are close to the floor where the air is cool and clean.

       • Know how to call emergency services.

       • Never run if your clothes catch fire. That causes the fire to grow. Instead, remember: Stop, drop, and roll. Stop and cover your face with your hands; drop to the ground; lie flat and roll. This helps to put the fire out.

       • Place a pet-alert sticker in your window. List the type and number of pets in your home. This helps rescue workers find and rescue your pets in an emergency.

      The family with the fire was okay, but the children were scared. Their apartment was still filled with smoke. While it cleared, they waited outside. This was Wilshire’s chance to help. Ryan brought the friendly dog over to visit. Wilshire helped the children feel calmer.

      “They seemed to quickly forget about their fear,” said Ryan. “They laughed a little when Wilshire wagged his tail and licked their faces.”

      To help people learn about fire safety, Wilshire and Ryan have traveled throughout Los Angeles and to other parts of the United States. They have visited schools and a children’s hospital. They performed for the patients there. Wilshire has also been on the news. Wilshire has even performed in local plays as a guest star. He played the dog characters in Annie and Peter Pan and Tinker Bell—A Pirates Christmas.

      Wherever he goes, Wilshire shares his fire safety tips. Wilshire is also a good reminder. He shows that adopting a dog can help give that pooch a second chance. Millions of people have seen and learned from Wilshire.

      Everyone should know about fire safety because this knowledge can save people’s lives.

      

      Wilshire at the fire station, wearing his badge Credit 7

      

      At the fire station, the day begins early for Wilshire and the other firefighters. He is fed every morning at 5:45. He helps to check the safety equipment to make sure everything is working. Firefighters must get ready quickly—within 60 seconds—when there is an emergency. They don’t have time to look for or check their equipment at that point.

      

       Credit 8

      When they are working, firefighters also eat and sleep at the station. That way, they can respond to emergencies at any time of the day or night.