Tuesday 30 January 2007 - 14.00hrs
YOUNGSTERS from all over Somerset will be able to pick up vital
tips on the keeping themselves safe after a unique learning centre
was given a second lease of life, with the help of Avon Fire &
Rescue Service (AF&RS).
Safety Zone 2000 at Weston-super-Mare is an interactive facility
that lets children come face-to-face with modern hazards in a
controlled environment, where they learn how to deal with the
situations and avoid them in the future.
The scheme was first launched in 2000 and among the topics
covered in a series of mocked up ‘sets’ are displays on home fire
safety, the dangers of railway lines, the sea, strangers, crowded
places and the road.
Since its opening youngsters aged between six and eight years
old, mainly from primary schools in North Somerset, have been taken
through the interactive tour by a team of volunteer guides.
But last year the future of Safety Zone 2000 was under threat as
the charity which runs it struggled to find funding and volunteers
to keep the centre going. However thanks to a cash injection from
Avon Fire & Rescue Service, which now sits on the management
board, the long-term future looks to have been secured.
The fire service has since appealed for its staff members to act
as volunteer guides at Safety Zone 2000 and the hope is that soon
children from all over Somerset will be able to pay, what could be
a lifesaving visit, to the facility.
On Friday 2 February representatives from around 40 potential
funding partners and sponsors have been invited to Safety Zone 2000
to see pupils from Glebe Infant School in Congresbury take a tour
of the centre.