The Kannapolis Fire Department has created a new program to teach elementary-aged children short, simple messages about fire safety.

The program, named Fire Blitz, will consist of five- to eight-minute classes. This year’s focus will be: Crawl low under smoke.

“If you’ve ever been around children for any length of time, you are well aware of the information overload that can be created for them by being told too many things at one time,” said Kannapolis Public Safety Educator Maria Bostian. “Children who are given an overload of fire safety information in a ‘wham bam’ approach to prevention can often mix the simple rules they are taught.”

Kannapolis fire educators kicked off the campaign at Jackson Park Elementary School on Tuesday. Educators will visit Woodrow Wilson Elementary School today at 8:30 a.m. and Forrest Park Elementary School at 1 p.m.

“I am so pleased we are doing this in our schools here in Kannapolis,” Fire Chief Ernie Hiers said. “What a response we have had. This is a great start for our first year.”

Along with safety tips, kids will be given safety materials aimed at alleviating message overload or confusion.

“I hope this safety campaign is a huge success and that participation will grow,” said Public Safety Educator Maria Bostian. “As we continue the tradition of Fire Blitz in the future, the message and the approach will vary but the reason behind the Fire Blitz will remain the same…to keep the children of Kannapolis safe and sound.”