Primary Schools Programme

The Primary Schools Programme (PSP) enhances the level of awareness of fire safety in the home and to raise the level of awareness of fire safety in the community. It had been delivered by Longford County Council Fire Service since 2006. 

The PSP is designed to educate children in third class (around 9 years old) about the dangers of fire. Each of the primary schools are visited by local fire brigade personnel who deliver the presentations. Pupils are made aware of the dangers of fire, the importance of working smoke alarms and complete a home fire safety checklist.

Children also learn the importance of escape plans, correct actions to be taken if in a fire situation, including how to 'stop, drop and roll' and how to call the emergency services (999/112). The dangers and consequences of 'hoax calls' or 'false alarms', arson, and attacks on fire crews are also taught.

Each pupil is given a safety team pack with a work sheet, a word search, a home check sheet and a board game on fire prevention, detection and evacuation. As part of their homework, the children will work through their pack with their families, enhancing fire safety in the home and community. On completion of the homework assignments, each student will be issued with a 'Team Safety' certificate. Each school will also be issued with a certificate.

How can I get involved?

Each primary school in County Longford can contact Longford Fire Station by email to firestation@longfordcoco.ie to organise a Primary Schools Programme.