The day started with our rhymetime session but with a difference. This session was hosted with Carla Higgins from HLE library and FF Nick Bryson from our local Runcorn and Cheshire fire station. FF Nick visited HLE library with other FF members to highlight awareness of fire safety within the home. Runcorn and Cheshire FF’s visit many schools within the borough and run many projects such as RESPECT for teenagers as well as the Runcorn and Cheshire cadets and the Prince’s Trust project.
Visiting HLE is a significant integration initiative for both Library and Fire services to highlight what each service and resource provides.
The Rhymetime was a complete success; the children had a lovely time singing FF themed nursery rhymes and listening to ff books like Hugo the flying fireman and fireman sam. The children also enjoyed ff themed crafts and colouring in. FF Nick joined in with all the activities and answered any questions raised from the children.
The FF’s had a stand set up in the coffee bar for the day and gave advice to anyone with questions relating to fire safety, they also booked appointments to visit homes within the community and asses safety issues.
Two lectures were also held by the FF’s; the first was a prevention, detection and vulnerable people talk hosted by Steve Twigg who is the lead advocate for the FF service. The lecture highlighted things that are easily overlooked within the home that can become a danger to young and vulnerable people things like candles burning through acrylic baths (keep in candleholders or trays). Also materials such as oxygen in the home can have devastating impacts when mixed with flammable products, even products not considered flammable can become dangerous when combined with oxygen saturation. Steve also demonstrated Fire detectors used by people with hearing and visual difficulties called the Fire Angel. Overall this was a very interesting lecture and Steve received many enquiries as a result.
The second lecture was hosted by Kate Pope from Halton Borough Council’s environmental health department who discussed bonfires and the law both public and private. Kate also talked about the dangers of dark smoke and how to detect and report in to the department. Again another interesting lecture of great benefit to the public and FF’s.
The day lasted until 4pm with FF’s at the stand giving out valuable advice and fun FF freebies for children and informative leaflets for the public.
