POLOKWANE – Pemps gr. R learners were very excited and shouting the name ‘Fireman Rukka’ at the Fire and Safety lessons that were delivered by Rouan Snyman at Pemps primary school recently.
Learners were taught about things such as safety in and around the house, the function of fire brigades, and vehicle and road safety.
Snyman said he also taught learners to crawl out from underneath smoke to avoid smoke inhalation.
He added that smoke inhalation symptoms range from coughing and vomiting to nausea, sleepiness and confusion, and people with apparent signs of smoke inhalation should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.
“The point I am trying to get across to learners is that people should be careful of fires and guard against things such as candles, heaters and electric blankets. Electric blanket is the most dangerous tool this winter and many house fires I am called out to are due to fires caused by an electric blanket malfunction. Wires get wriggled and then start to burn the blankets because they overheat,” said Snyman.
He added that he likes entertaining the children and making fire safety easier for them to understand. When asked about the name ‘Fireman Rukka’ he said his mother used to call him ‘Rukka’ and he fell in love with the nickname.
“Rukka is just my nickname, but I love it. I have been working in the fire and safety department for 10 years and most of the people call me Fireman Rukka,” he explained.
The principal of the Pemps gr. R class, Karen Adlem, said the children learned a lot about fire and safety from Fireman Rukka.
She added that the presentation was done so wonderfully and entertaining that time just seemed to fly by.
“Fireman Rukka is a very active and entertaining man. He managed to keep about 400 learners busy and entertained. He is also passionate about what he does and it shows when he educates the children, they will not easily forget his lessons,” added Adlem.
