BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH some 60 students having already participated in the Nevis leg of the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services’ 2015 Summer Fire Safety Programme, close to 200 students are expected to participate in the St. Kitts leg of the programme which begins today (Jul. 22).
The programme is structured to bring to the children a vivid awareness of the need for fire safety, water safety and traffic safety.
This year, the 13th edition, is being held under the theme “Children’s Safety is Our Responsibility” and the three-day programme caters for children between the ages of 5 years and 12 years.
It would be held simultaneously at the Basseterre Fire Station, the Sandy Point Fire Station and the Tabernacle Police Station.
Fire Chief Everette O’Garro, while speaking with SKNVibes, expressed that during the summer period children have a lot of extra time on their hands and this programme is an excellent way to spend some of time.
“We cover fire safety, water safety and traffic safety and the children would be taught important safety tips and important actions which they can use in the event of a life-threatening emergency, whether it is a fire or whether it is water or traffic-related.
“Of course a major component of the programme is teaching the students about the preventative side of things. They will be properly taught on what measures they can take and implement to either prevent or reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of some emergencies.”
He said the assistance of the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard and the Traffic Department is always sought in facilitating sessions relative to water and traffic safety.
“We always believe in inviting those individuals who have the expertise in the various areas to assist us in getting the message of safety and prevention across. This year is no different and we would have personnel from the Coast Guard and the Traffic Department coming in to speak with the children…”
The opening ceremony for the programme takes place at 9:00 a.m. at the Basseterre Fire Station.
On Friday at the end of the programme, the participants would be presented with certificates of participation and the two most outstanding students from each group would be named the Junior Fire Chief and the Junior Deputy Fire Chief.
The Nevis leg of the programme was held from July 8-10 at the Jessup’s Community Centre.
