Disappointed by the experience his children had with a fire safety program at school, Fairfax County Local 2068 member Michael Furman was inspired to develop a new program he believes will be more interesting and educational for children featuring a superhero named Flash Max with a sidekick named Mr Al-Arm.
“If a fire safety program for kids is going to be effective, it needs to be fun,” says Furman. “That’s where Flash Max and Mr. Al-Arm come in.”
With the slogan, “Be Smart, Stay Safe and Stay Low,” Flash Max and Al-Arm team up to not only teach children how they can play a part in preventing home fires, but also how to know what to do in case of a fire.
Furman is currently offering the program to schools around the region and is making appearances in the Flash Max costume at community events. He hopes to expand the program by producing a comic book which can be used as a learning tool any time.