Shropshire children who look after members of their family learned all about fire safety and first aid at an event organised by the British Red Cross with the help of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
A total of 31 youngsters aged from seven to 16, who are members of the Shropshire Young Carers Service, witnessed a chip pan fire controlled by firefighters and learned about the importance of every home having smoke alarms and testing them regularly.
They had fun running under a special colourful parachute to show different smoke layers and played a series of games with questions on fire safety at the event held at Belle Vue Youth Club in Rocke Street, Shrewsbury.
A poster competition about fire safety was judged by Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Redmond who said that the standard of entries was very high.
Youngsters made posters on the themes of test your alarm weekly, change your smoke alarm battery and not to play with fire.
The young carers also studied first aid with the Red Cross first aid trainers.
“It was a fun day for them in which we also got over some important fire safety messages. These young people may have more responsibility at home and care for vulnerable adults. It is important with this in mind that the young people know to test their smoke alarms, what to do if their clothes caught fire and to have an escape plan,” said Delyth Humphreys, of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Red Cross young carers project co-ordinator Rowan Ellson Arias, who organised the event, said it was very important for all young people to know about fire safety.
“Young carers also have access to advice and support where they need it and being young vulnerable people with extra responsibilities, activities such as these to improve their fire and first aid awareness, are invaluable.”
