 Fire
Safety Day for children
Teachers and Parents are being encourage to take part in a National
Schools' Fire Safety Awareness Campaign.
A number of recent high profile fire deaths, including the Camberwell
blaze which killed three adults and three children, have highlighted
the need for planning a safe escape should the inevitable happen.
The Fire Fighters Charity and the Communities and Local Government
Fire Kills Campaign to join forces and encourage schools across
England to work with their local fire and rescue service, and help
launch a National Schools' Fire Safety Day on Wednesday October
14th 2009.
Latest statistics have shown that 29 children under the age of
11 are killed in fires in the UK every year, and over 1,100 are
seriously injured. The two organisations have put measures in place
which will help reduce this statistic. Over the next couple of years
they aim to make learning about fire safety an annual, high profile
event listed in schools' diaries up and down the country. By introducing
a different fire safety topic each year, pupils taking part will
learn valuable fire safety lessons that might one day save their
lives.
Supported by The Department of Children, Schools and Families,
this year's campaign will focus on 'planning a safe escape' and
will be specifically targeted at Key Stage 1 children. The main
objective for the Day is for Year 2 children to learn five related
key messages, which they can take home and relay to their families.
All teachers or parents wishing to participate in the event can
request a free resource pack which will include activity worksheets,
a poster and guidance notes. The campaign will be supported by a
fun and educational microsite, lead by fictional character - Neenaw
the fire engine, and will include individually designed zones for
adults and children.
The resource pack can be ordered by calling 01202 653 360, or by
completing an online request form at: www.nationalschoolsfiresafetyday.com.
Additional materials can also be downloaded from the website, where
teachers will be able to discover more about the event.
To support the day's activities, The Plan a Safe Escape Team recommends
that teachers contact their Community Fire Safety team at their
local Fire and Rescue Service who will be aware of the campaign.
They may be able to support the Day by coming in to school and talking
to the children about 'planning a safe escape'.
Keith MacGillivray, Chairman of The Fire Fighters Charity said
"Sadly, fire is one of the main causes of accidental injury and
death amongst children. The Fire Services work tirelessly to prevent
fires from starting, but it is important that when they do, people
know how to react. Children need to know how to escape from a fire
and we would encourage families to work out an escape plan together.
Teachers can play an extremely important part, encouraging families
to work on this project together. Ultimately, it could save lives."
The five Key Messages that Children Should learn in relation to
Planning A Safe Escape are:
1. Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape.
2. Take a few minutes to practice your escape plan.
3. Make sure exits are kept clear.
4. The best route is the normal way in and out of your home.
5. In the event of a fire, GET OUT, STAY OUT AND CALL 999. "
www.nationalschoolsfiresafetyday.com
Where to next?
- ROSPA
(The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)
- CAPT
(Child Accident Prevention Trust)
|
