Fireman Sam Fire Safety Month

Ahead of the clocks going back and with Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching, household favourite Fireman Sam is launching a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of fire safety amongst children.

Last year we stumbled across a mini film about firework safety with Fireman Sam and downloaded it to our iPad. Although Lamb had no idea what he was watching (he thought it was a normal episode of Fireman Sam), he was hooked from the word go. Sometimes it’s difficult to teach the little ones about safety, they just lose their concentration, so if Fireman Sam can do a better job I’m all for it!

This month, as it’s Fireman Sam Safety Month, we’ve been asked to share a video on the blog and raise awareness about fire safety, which I’m more than happy to do! As a thank you we’ve been sent a fab Fireman Sam umbrella for Lamb, which will come in handy if it rains on bonfire night!

Take a look at one of the safety videos below. There’s plenty more available on YouTube.

Fireman Sam’s Top Tips

Bonfire Do’s and Don’ts

• Site bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and always keep away from fireworks.
• Build the bonfire stack so that it is stable and never light with flammable liquids.
• Keep everyone away from the fire, especially children who must be supervised at all times, and pets are best kept indoors.
• In case of an emergency, keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
• Pour water on the embers before leaving.

Firework Dos and Don’ts

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight – NEVER a naked flame.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick. NEVER go back to a lit firework.
• Always wear gloves when handling sparklers and hold at arm’s length. Once finished, put in a bucket of water.
• Never give sparklers to children under 5.

Real-life fireman for East Sussex Fire & Rescue and advisor to the children’s TV show Paul McIvenny comments, ‘My advice to parents would be to be extra vigilant while trick or treating at Halloween this year particularly with naked or open flames, opt to attend a well-organised fireworks display, or if you hold your own event ensure all your family and friends follows Sam’s Safety Tips”.

Paul, who attends many accidents at this time of year, adds ‘I’ve seen severe burns as a result of handling fireworks incorrectly and also a lot of small accidents where children are lucky to have escaped with minor burns which could have been avoided, so I would strongly suggest parents take extra care as well as making their children aware of the potential dangers too”.

After hearing about Claudia Winkleman’s daughter Matilda being set on fire last year because of a highly flammable, cheap costume from the supermarket, I want you all to think twice about what you dress your little ones in. These costumes should not be available to buy if they are so dangerous. Children’s clothing should be not so highly flammable. What happened to Matilda was horrific, and a tragic accident, but it can be avoided with extra care (I’m not implying Claudia wasn’t taking care of Matilda, but her story can hopefully teach us all a little something about fire safety).

Don’t put naked flames in your garden for decoration if you know there will be trick or treaters, use LED tea lights instead! If you are using flames, make sure they are in a safe place where children can’t reach them.

I’ve never been into Halloween and trick or treating, maybe because I wasn’t so successful as a child! But if Lamb wants to celebrate Halloween I’m happy to take part. I just won’t be buying a crappy, cheap costume from the supermarket. He will be in 100% cotton t-shirts with a skeleton on the front!

Remember to show your little ones the Fireman Sam safety videos, they are never too young to learn.

Ax