Fatal Blaze Emphasises the Demand for National Fire Safety Campaign

LONDON -

- Charity Urges Teachers and Families to Plan a Safe Escape

After six people were fatally killed in a tower block this weekend, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Communities and Local Government Fire Kills Campaign urges teachers to make Planning A Safe Escape part of their Key Stage 1 learning programme.

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, providing the two organisations with conclusive grounds to launch the campaign.

Schools across England are being encouraged to work in conjunction with their local fire and rescue service, and help launch the first National Schools’ Fire Safety Day on Wednesday October 14th 2009. This year’s campaign will focus on the serious issue of ‘planning a safe escape’ in your home, 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.

Supported by The Department of Children, Schools and Families, the organisations have put measures in place to 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.

Keith MacGillivray, Chairman of The Fire Fighters Charity said “We would like to send our condolences and prayers to the families of those who were killed in the dreadful blaze in South London last Friday.”

Keith went on to say “Fire is one of the main causes of accidental injury and death amongst children and although the Fire Services work tirelessly to prevent fires from starting, this shocking incident has highlighted how important it is that people know how to react should the unthinkable occur. It is imperative that children know how to escape from a fire. The aim of this campaign is to encourage families to work out an escape plan together. Teachers can play an extremely important part, advising families to work on this project together. Ultimately, it could save lives.”

All teachers or parents wishing to participate in the event can request a free teachers’ resource pack which will include classroom activity worksheets, an event poster, a homework sheet and teachers’ 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 +44(0)1202-653-360. Additional materials can also be downloaded from the website, where more information can be discovered about the event.

Notes to editors:

- www.nationalschoolsfiresafetyday.com is currently being developed but will be up and running by 15th July 2009. However packs can currently be ordered by calling - +44(0)1202-653-360.

- The Fire Fighters Charity is the official organisation which exists for injured fire fighters and their families during their times of need. www.firefighterscharity.org.uk

Source: The Fire Fighters Charity

Alison White, AWhite at firefighterscharity.org.uk, +44(0)1256366566