[12 June 2007]

Firefighters help children Stay Safe.

Firefighters from across East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove will be visiting a wide range of nurseries, playgroups and Sure Start centres during Child Safety Week which takes place June 18th - 24th. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service will be offering a broad range of safety tips and advice to the parents and carers of children under 5 with the aim of reducing injuries in the home.

A recent Audit Commission Report ´Better Safe Than Sorry´ published earlier this year found that children under 5 carry a disproportionate burden of injuries from falls and fires and that they suffer nearly 45% of all severe burns and scalds that occur, with 50% of injuries taking place in the kitchen. The emotional costs to children and their families are of course, even greater and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are dedicated to reducing all injuries to children by offering advice on potential risks during their visits.

Firefighters have first hand experience of the damage that fires and burns can cause and are keen to get these safety messages out into the communities of East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove. Where possible, fire crews will take a fire engine along to the visit, which is always popular with younger children. Working within the community is a vital part of the role of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and staff across the organisation are working on a number of projects to help ensure that children and young people remain safe and that we achieve a safer community for everyone.

[Emma Roberts]