Teddy to keep kids safe from fire

Safe Syd, a teddy bear in a Firefighter's suit, will be the mascot of a new campaign to teach nursery school children how to stay safe from fire.

Syd will be on hand at today's launch of a colourful fire safety pack which will be issued to nursery schools across East and West Dunbartonshire by Strathclyde Fire & Rescue. The pack, developed by members of SFR, will be extended across the whole of Strathclyde.

Each nursery school pack includes an interactive disk which has games, video material and a picture story. This is in response to demand from nursery teachers who wanted more attractive and stimulating material than traditional teaching resources such as photocopiable worksheets and colouring-in exercises.

Another fun part of each pack is a mini firefighter helmet and uniform.

The pack will be used to teach young children how to:

·         Identify the dangers of lighters and matches

·         Recognise a smoke alarm and know what to do if one sounds

·         Understand how to phone 999 in an emergency and know what to say

·         Know how to keep safe in the event of a fire in the home

·         Know how to complete the 'Stop, Drop and Roll' technique if clothes catch fire.

David Proctor, SFR's Area Commander for the East & West Dunbartonshire Area, said: "The pack is a fantastic resource that will ensure that nursery children will connect with our Fire Safety message."