Thursday 10 October
16.00 hrs
Firework safety has a new face this year in the guise of a
colourful hand puppet that will star in a new film produced by Avon
Fire & Rescue Service.
Based on a fictional kids television show, Snakey Jakey is the
creation of crews from Avonmouth Fire Station. Over the past few
months firefighters from Green Watch have written and starred in
the light-hearted film aimed at delivering a seasonal message on
the subject of firework safety.
Firefighter James Barrand turns kids TV show presenter alongside
sidekick Snakey Jakey, operated by the film’s writer, Martyn
Quigley. The show’s ‘studio guests’ are firefighters Ian Hawkes and
Emma Long who offer viewers useful advice on how families in Avon
can stay safe this Bonfire Night.
The humorous six minute film is designed to appeal not only to
children, but also to the adults who will be looking after them at
private fireworks displays on Guy Fawkes’ Night.
Avonmouth Watch Manager Mike Lewis said: "Sometimes public
safety films can be a bit dry and struggle to engage their
audiences. What we have tried to do with Snakey Jakey is to give
people a laugh, which hopefully will help them take in the
important safety messages.
"Although the film is based on a kids TV show it is aimed
equally at adults, and more specifically those who might be tempted
to have a drink on 5 November. Bonfire Night is always great fun
but the mixture of alcohol and fireworks is an extremely dangerous
combination.
"If you decide to host a private display we would always suggest
that at least one person doesn’t drink. The alternative is to take
the whole family along to an organised public display."
In the last five years more than 5,500 people in the UK required
hospital treatment as a result of injuries sustained from
fireworks.
Snakey Jakey was made at Imagist studio in Avonmouth by Knowle
West Media Centre which has worked with Avon Fire & Rescue
Service on a number of joint projects. Local young people also
provided animation in the film. Professional directors and editors
produced the film which will be circulated to all 23 fire stations
in Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s area in the run up to fireworks
night.
You can watch Snakey Jakey on 'FireTV', Avon
Fire & Rescue Services Internet TV site. Here you can see other
great fire safety films, play interactive games, watch live feeds
and learn more about being a firefighter.
Further safety advice can also be found on our page of
firework and bonfire safety
leaflets.