The next generation of firefighters helping raise awareness of safety in the home

Pre-schoolers from Nurserytime Kindergarten in South Shields were visited by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) on Wednesday, February 26 to help raise awareness of fire safety.

The children took turns to have a look inside the fire engine, had a go with the equipment, and even had the chance to try on the uniform and helmets for size.

The visit was organised in a bid to teach the children from an early age about the role the emergency services play in the community.

The children were gifted books by the service to take home in the hope they would share the important messages about fire safety with their parents.

Nurserytime manager, Helen Coulson said: “It was a fantastic visit for all of the children involved, they learned a lot from it. The service allowed them to have a very hands on experience, the children each took turns to sit in the fire engine and used the heat sensor equipment for themselves. It was really educational and they all like to go home and tell their parents about it.

She added: “At Nurserytime we have good links with the community and like to think outside of the box. Visits like this one provide children with different experiences and build up their knowledge of what everybody’s role is in the community.

“We just want to say a huge thank you to TWFRS for taking time out of their very busy schedule to visit us and spend time with the children.”

A Tyne and Wear Spokesperson commented: “We value the opportunity to visit children and young people. Firstly it helps to instil good home safety advice at an early age and quite often children will go home and pass on these messages to their parents.

“Additionally, it helps us to gain awareness on the very important work our firefighters do in protecting the communities they serve and hopefully builds understanding and respect.”