Primary school fire safety visits
Giving children the knowledge to keep themselves safe is so important. The understanding gained during our free safety education and prevention sessions can be used by children throughout their lives.
You can now request a fire safety and prevention education talk for your school online. We recommend you read the information below before submitting your request.
What we teach
Our education team is specially trained to teach fire safety to children. Each session has been put together to reduce children's natural curiosity with fire and become more fire safe.
We are cautious not to overwhelm children or make them feel anxious and responsible for keeping others safe - or to put themselves at risk by dealing with fire hazards themselves.
We also encourage children to share these important messages with their friends and families, helping keep them safe too. The responsibility for making their home safer is very much placed with their parents and carers.
Year 2
Our sessions cover:
- what the fire service does and how it helps
- how to spot fire hazards at home
- the dangers of smoke
- why smoke alarms are so important
- the dangers of playing with matches and lighters
- what to do if your clothes catch fire.
Year 5
Our sessions cover:
- how to prevent a fire starting
- the difference between safe and unsafe fires
- the impact of fire on communities, buildings and people
- how to make sure a smoke alarm is working
- how to make a home escape plan
- when and how to make an emergency call.
What to expect
- Age-appropriate sessions that include different learning styles so that every child can fully participate in the session.
- Content that builds on prior knowledge and understanding and that links to the PSHE Curriculum.
- Sessions that are delivered in a sensitive and reassuring way by trained and experienced Education Advocates.
What not to expect
- A visit from firefighters with a real fire engine.
- Demonstrations using real fire.
- Sessions to whole year groups or in an assembly setting. We’ve found that this isn’t a great way to talk to children about fire safety, as key messages can be missed.
Bookings and enquiries
School visits are booked directly with schools, by our Education team. You can request a visit using our online form. If you've got any questions, please get in touch via education@dsfire.gov.uk.
We ask that schools and school staff do not approach fire stations or firefighters to arrange any school visits.