Students visit Milwaukee's Survive Alive House to kick off Fire Prevention Week

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- City leaders and students met Monday at the Milwaukee Fire Department's Survive Alive House to kick off National Fire Prevention Week.

Students from the Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School practiced an escape plan and learned about fire safety.

At the Survive Alive House, students went through a simulated house fire and practiced how to get out safely. They also learned the importance of having smoke alarms on every level of a home and how they should close their bedroom doors when they go to sleep.

The fire department is also encouraging the kids to practice what they learned on Monday at home with their families.

"Actually have a plan and actually practice that plan," Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing said. "Get outside to a safe spot and count and make sure everyone is there."

Around 13,000 kids come through the Survive Alive House every year. Since it was opened more than 20 years ago, the fire department says fire deaths among school-age children have decreased.