Students To Become Top Junior Citizens

Scheme stages mock disasters at Chiswick Fire Station

Around 700 students will brave fire hazards, suspect parcels and a mock road accidents next week as they prove themselves to be responsible citizens.  They will be tested in 10 'dangerous' mock scenarios as they take part in the Hounslow Junior Citizens Scheme at Chiswick Fire Station.

A mock London Underground station will teach students about rail safety and how to respond to suspect parcels, while other displays will focus on river and building-site safety.

There also will be time for fun, as students visit a simulated disco where they will learn personal safety lessons.

In a road crash scenario involving a car and a cyclist, organised by Hounslow Council’s safety education team, students will play accident investigators and identify factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Meanwhile, fire officers have prepared a room where children will identify fire hazards, including electrical items and candles.

Chiswick Fire Station Commander Carole Newton said station officers were thrilled to be hosting next week's event.  "It's great for schools at this end of Hounslow borough to be able to learn such valuable safety lessons in a local environment," she said, “We hope the event will help to reduce fire-related deaths, injuries and damage to property across the borough. By taking the children through the scenarios in small groups, the lessons are very effective. The students get a lot out of it.”

Hounslow Council's Safety Education Advisor Fatima Ahmed said road crashes were nearly always caused by human error, “It is vital that children learn about road safety from an early age and this accident scenario leads to discussion on road rules to educate children about potential dangers on our roads."

Led by the Metropolitan Police, the multi-agency event will involve Year 6 students from 10 schools across the borough. Police liaison officer Inspector Adrian Baxter said the scenarios made children more aware of the dangers around them and taught them to cope in dangerous situations through practical experience. “It is a fun day out for the students, but there is a very serious message behind it."

November 18, 2004