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Bonfire Safety Film For
Schools Launched
A film has been launched for
schools across Merseyside advising children and young people about the
dangers around Bonfire Night. The bonfire safety film, launched by
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, has been designed as an education and
awareness tool for Primary and Secondary Schools. It tells the story of a
teenage boy injured after an aerosol can is thrown on to a bonfire and the
impact this has on his own life as well as that of his family. A version
aimed at young people of Secondary School age shows the story from the point
of view of the teenager. The Primary School version of the video tells the
story from the perspective of the boy's younger sister. Both videos are
available to view on the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service YouTube page.
Watch Manager Ian Mullen said:- "The bonfire period is traditionally
the busiest time of year for the Fire and Rescue Service as a result of
deliberate fires caused by anti-social behaviour. This year we have launched
the video to prevent children and young people being injured by bonfires or
fireworks around Bonfire Night. The video has been well received in schools
across Merseyside where it has been presented by our Firefighters, our
prevention staff and Police Officers. The aim is to educate young people to
think about the positive ways they can behave so that they can enjoy a safe
Bonfire Night. If we can prevent a child or a teenager being injured this
year then the hard work that has gone into producing the video will have
been worth it. I would ask parents to ensure their children attend an
organised display this year rather than building a bonfire. Deliberate fires
can easily get out of hand and we have attended call outs where children
have been burned resulting from bonfires. The lasting effects can be
devastating, so I would urge people to take extra care this year."
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service advises parents to keep children safe by
ensuring they know the dangers and consequences of fire setting and firework
misuse. Planned activities this year include engaging young people in
positive activities such as free caged football events, which are being
provided in communities by the MF&RS charitable arm Fire Support Network.
There will also be high visibility Policing and advice to shops around the
sales of fireworks. A Merseyside Police spokesman said:- "This video
is a reminder to all of the consequences and dangers around unsupervised
bonfires and the impact one act of stupidity can have, with life long
implications. We are working alongside colleagues in the fire service, going
into schools and working with young people, to remind them of these dangers
and point people to the organised events, that are taking place across
Merseyside. Officers will be out and about over this period and will be
dealing robustly with anyone who is acting anti socially. However, I would
ask people to take responsibility for themselves, their children and their
neighbours and report any incidents of anti social behaviour to us."
To view the bonfire safety videos, please click on the following links:-
► Watch the Secondary School video, click on
here.
► Watch the Primary School video click on
here.
To report an unlit bonfire call Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on:- 0800
731 5958. Outside office hours please leave a message with your details and
a contact number.
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