Updated fire safety programs for students have been developed by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in consultation with the Department of Education to ensure the best learning outcomes for kids.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said the FRNSW programs were designed to reduce the risk of fire to children aged between three and 10 years.
“Education is the first line of defence against fire-related injuries and fatalities in children,” Mr Elliott said
“Children often have limited knowledge about fire risks and the updated education program will help them avoid starting a fire and teach them the best way to stay safe if one occurs,” he said.
Mr Elliott said the updated programs consisted of four sessions, including a session delivered by a firefighter to teach children important skills in burns first aid; a school fire evacuation drill; Home Fire Escape Planning; and how to identify fire hazards in the home.
Assistant Commissioner of FRNSW, Trent Curtin said children were one of the most at-risk groups when it came to fire and FRNSW had responded to over 8,000 fires caused by children and 12 child fire fatalities in the past five years.
“Fire safety education not only prevents fire, it improves responses to fires and empowers children by providing them with the capacity to make informed decisions, enhancing resilience,” Assistant Commissioner Curtin said.
“These sessions have been designed on the back of extensive evidence-based research by professionals and we believe they will go a long way in reducing misuse of fire, fire related injuries and fatalities in children,” he said.
Further information on the FRNSW’s child safety programs can be accessed at this PS News link.
