Families in Cornwall looking to occupy their kids during lockdown are being urged to check out a new website for children that could help save their lives.
The gas safety website www.safetyseymour.co.uk, featuring Safety Seymour, a cuddly superhero bear from outer space, uses storytelling, classroom-style activities and even yoga and origami to alert families to the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelt or tasted, and it kills some 40 people a year and leaves many more with life-changing injuries.
Previously directed in schools, the safety programme delivered by Wales and West Utilities helped seven-year old Jaydee-Lee Dummett save her families lives after she spotted signs of a gas leak.
Jaydee-Lee said: “I remembered the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning from the Safety Seymour session.”
Jaydee-Lee reeled off the emergency gas telephone number and alerted authorities of the situation.
Her quick thinking not only saved the lives of her family, but also saw her win the Child of Courage award at the 2019 Pride of Britain Awards.
Jaydee-Lee added: “It’s so important to learn about gas safety, as you never know when you might need it. These new activities will give children, like me, the knowledge needed to stay safe.”
Launched jointly by Britain’s gas networks, the programme has been specifically developed for online use as people across the UK adapt to working and learning from home.
The Safety Seymour programme is aimed at Key Stage 1 pupils and features games, drama and craft.
Wales & West Utilities runs the gas network locally and deliver safety session to local schools.
The company’s people and engagement director, Sarah Hopkins, said: “With people spending much more time at home, gas safety is more important than ever.”
“Gas safety is such an important life lesson and we’ve learnt through our classroom-based sessions how well children respond to the interactive way in which it’s taught, via Safety Seymour.
“We are all learning to live our lives in new ways, and it is hoped that these materials will give parents and teachers a free resource to offer education whilst children can’t be in school.”
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