Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 28/02/2012 08:57

Bodmin’s Flashpoint Lifeskills Centre is sporting a new kitchen scenario thanks to funding from the Electrical Safety Council.

Run by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the interactive learning centre simulates potentially dangerous and hazardous situations to deliver safety messages to children and vulnerable people across Cornwall.

The new units and appliances, including a dishwasher and washing machine will help Flashpoint volunteers explain the safe use of modern electrical appliances.

With over half of house fires in Cornwall starting in the kitchen, the donation will greatly help Flashpoint’s work in promoting fire safety messages, said Ellen McConnell, manager of the Flashpoint Lifeskills Centre.

“We have been looking to upgrade our kitchen scenario and had raised around £1,000 from various fundraising events,” added Ellen. “I am delighted we were given the donation of £3,000 from the Electrical Skills Council.

“From questioning children, before and after their session, it is apparent that when they have finished the course they are more knowledgeable about how to use electricity safely and more aware of potential dangers in the kitchen.”

Lorraine Carney, Senior Campaigns Manager at the Electrical Safety Council added: “Our primary objective is to help people stay safer around electricity. So we are delighted to work with the Flashpoint Lifeskills Centre to support their innovative scheme.

“According to government statistics, almost half of all accidental fires in UK homes – that’s over 20,000 each year – are caused by electricity, so it’s vital that people are made aware of where electrical dangers may arise in their homes and understand how to prevent an electrical-related accident happening.”

For more information about the Flashpoint Lifeskills Centre visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/flashpoint

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=18868