NYFRS Back The Protect our Child campaign April 2007

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service back a campaign, which was launched by the Northern Echo this week.

The Protect our Child campaign has been launched in conjunction with the family of a boy who was badly burnt when his pyjama shorts caught fire in his home last month.

The Northern Echo campaign urges the Government to change a law regarding children’s pyjamas. The law requires nightdresses and dressing gowns to be flame resistant but it does not cover pyjamas.

Every year there are around 750 clothing flammability accidents, 80 of which prove to be fatal.

Station Manager Carl Boasman says “We are happy to support a campaign that will improve fire safety, and will raise awareness of this issue. Parents need to be aware that if a child is wearing nightwear, they are at risk of the clothing catching fire if it goes against a heat source.”

“Try and keep children away from candles, open fires and objects such as matches and lighters.”

He continues “If the worse happens then follow the STOP, WRAP, DROP AND ROLL rule”.

STOP - Don’t panic and run around, as this will make the fire worse

WRAP- the victim in a rug, coat or blanket

DROP- to the floor and

ROLL- until the flames are extinguished

For more information on the Northern Echo campaign visit: www.thenorthernecho.co.uk

 Or to go directly to this story on the Northern echo website  visit: www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/display.var.1316928.0.0.php