Fire crews from 18 fire stations will visit 54 schools during the coming weeks, teaching children how to stay safe using the 'Riskwatch' programme, which works with teachers to give safety messages to primary school children aged between three and 11 years.

Catherine Severn, Education Liaison Officer for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is delighted with the response from schools who have requested Riskwatch visits.

She said: "This is a great opportunity for us to send operational fire crews into the heart of our communities to deliver safety messages, which will in turn help to keep children safe in their homes and when they are playing over the summer holidays."

The message for this year's Child Safety Week is 'Make a change, make a difference', which will encourage parents to make small changes to their everyday lives to reduce the risk of accidents in the home.
This can be anything from making sure pan handles face inwards when on the hob to prevent them being knocked off, to making an escape plan in case a fire breaks out.

In Nottinghamshire, a focus on fire safety will teach children about how to reduce the risk of fire and what to do if a fire breaks out in the home.

House fires cause the most accidental deaths of children in the home.
Children will be taught the importance of having a smoke alarm, how to prepare an escape route and practical tips for every day, such as always leaving the door keys in the same place at night so they can be found easily in the event of a fire.

Firefighters will also teach the children how to stay safe near water.
This will involve learning about the dangers of steep banks, deep water and thin ice, as well as what to do in case of an emergency in or near water.