I had just started Kindergarten that September when the fire happened. What I remember after that was the fire drills we had in school, twice a month for the rest of the school year, and monthly after that. We were trained to line up, and leave with the teacher as quickly as possible - no coats, hats, or even shoes. I remember going down the fire escape from the third floor gym in the snow. In every school I went to, the fire drills were done with a religious intensity. We were trained to leave everything and get out. As a Director of early childhood and school age programs, I make sure that parents are oriented to the fire and disaster drills that we have in our programs. I tell them about the OLA fire, and the profound effect it has in our city and that it prompted the school building codes and fire drills nation-wide. They often object to us moving the children out of the building without wraps - but the children are moved to another agency building close by when the weather is inclement. I remind that most children who die in fires at home were hiding in closets or under beds, and that many had gone back for belongings. Once they understand this, they usually join in the drills when present.
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