This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Henry McLeish switches schools 'on line' to spread fire safety message
21/08/1998
The latest tool to cut the tragic toll of fire deaths and injuries in Scotland was launched today by Henry McLeish.
At Inchview Primary School in Edinburgh, the Scottish Home Affairs Minister officially launched an innovative internet-based fire safety teaching programme for schools the length and breadth of the country.
The project was developed by the Scottish Fire Service, funded by The Scottish Office and produced by Edinburgh-based specialist web consultancy Company Net.
Mr McLeish said the project would:
· help achieve the goal of safer communities through better targeted and more widely available fire safety education; and
· assist in reducing the toll of fire deaths and injuries in Scotland - 102 fatalities including 84 in dwellings last year;
At the launch, the Minister said:
"Today's children are tomorrow's adults, and I am delighted that all those involved in fire safety have come together to improve the already sterling work being done in schools throughout Scotland.
"What we have today is an innovative, hi-tech method of delivering fire safety education in our schools. I am especially pleased to be associated with this project, because it exemplifies several ideas which are important in the Government's drive to create a new Britain.
"Firstly, this will make fire safety education more effective and more widely available, and will help towards our goal of safer communities. Every death caused by fire is an avoidable tragedy, and we must do all we can to reduce the needless toll of deaths, injuries and damage.
"Eight out of ten deaths from fire happen in the home, and it is thought that six out of every 10 deaths in the home could have been avoided if working smoke alarms had been in place.
"Getting the fire safety message across to 'tomorrow's adults' at an early stage plays a vital part in promoting safer homes and safer communities.
"Secondly, this innovative project is a shining example of what can be achieved through partnership. We firmly believe in partnership between central and local government and between the public and private sectors as an essential key to progress.
"The project originated in Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, but all eight Scottish fire brigades, The Scottish Office and Company Net have co-operated in bringing it to fruition. I warmly congratulate all concerned on the spirit of partnership which they have displayed in developing and taking forward the original concept.
"A third reason for welcoming this project is the way in which it ties in with the Government's overall aim of securing Best Value for all spending on central and local government services. Obtaining Best Value calls for constant evaluation of how services are provided and a constant readiness to seek ways in which resources can be more effectively used.
"The traditional method of delivering such education through mobile classrooms has served well, but it is costly and cannot reach more than a proportion of all our schools. This new method offers an alternative which will use less resources to far better effect. Once all schools have access to the internet, even the most remote will be able to use this high quality and flexible educational package. And they will be able to use it when it suits them, rather than having to adjust to the availability of a mobile classroom."
BACKGROUND
1. The modules on the site are: How to identify and eliminate fire hazards; smoke alarms; reinforcement; teacher support; how to minimise the impact of a fire; what to do in the event of a fire; hoax calls; links.
2. For further information, please call Graham Torrie, Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade on 0131 228 2401 or Neil Francis, Company Net, 0131 558 8358.
News Release: 1674/98
21 August, 1998