Fire Safety Visit with Kent Fire and Rescue Service

This afternoon we were delighted to welcome Matt from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service to St Eanswythe’s. Each phase took part in an interactive, age-appropriate session designed to help children understand what to do in an emergency and how to stay safe at home and in the community.

Reception – What Is an Emergency?

Reception had a wonderful session exploring what an emergency is and learning about the people who help to keep us safe. Matt talked to the children about what the Fire Service does and when we might need to call 999. The children discussed different examples of emergencies and practised what they might say if they ever needed to ask for help.

Key Stage 1 – What to Do in an Emergency?

Key Stage 1 enjoyed an interactive session focused on recognising fire hazards and what to do in an emergency. The children learned how to keep themselves safe at home, such as not playing with matches or lighters, and what to do if they ever saw smoke or fire. They also talked about when it’s appropriate to call 999 and what important information they would need to share. The session encouraged the children to think about how they can recognise and minimise risks in everyday situations.

Key Stage 2 – Be Safe: Escape Plans

The Key Stage 2 workshop focused on fire prevention and escape plans. The children took part in a fun game to decide which situations were emergencies, for example, a car crash would be, but not wanting to eat peas for dinner definitely wouldn’t! They came up with lots of great ideas about which emergencies might need help from the fire, police, or ambulance services.

Matt also explained what a fire needs to burn - heat, oxygen, and fuel. He introduced the different specialist teams within the Fire Service, including animal rescue, line rescue, water rescue, and the fire brigade itself. The children were fascinated to hear about Millie and Buzz, the Fire Rescue Dogs, who wear special boots and help search buildings once a fire is out.

We also discussed everyday fire safety at home, such as never touching matches or lighters, only blowing out candles with an adult, and staying away from pots and pans on the stove. The children learned the importance of having smoke alarms in your home and checking smoke alarms every week. Matt Shared that Kent Fire and Rescue Service even offer free home safety visits where they will check or fit smoke alarms if needed.

The session ended with an important reminder that everyone should know by heart:

“Get out! Stay out! Call 999!”

We’d like to say a big thank you to Matt and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service for spending the afternoon with us and helping our pupils understand how to recognise risks, stay calm in an emergency, and keep themselves and others safe.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service provide free advice on smoke alarms – just call them (free from most home phones, mobiles may charge) on 0800 923 7000 or email us at home@kent.fire-uk.org