Children given tips on staying safe on dark autumn nights

Police Community Support Officers have been visiting schools across Rotherham to chat about personal safety as part of Operation Dark Nights.

The interactive sessions include a presentation, quiz and opportunity to talk through real-life scenarios with officers from both South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR).

As well as facts around the dangers of fireworks, young people are being taught the “stop, drop and roll” technique (below), which helps to put out flames, as well as how to behave at an organised bonfire event.

Sgt Sharon Phin, who has helped to organise the sessions, said: “We run this initiative every year because it is vital that we do everything we can to help keep children safe.

“Half of all accidents involving fireworks happen to children under the age of 16 so we target our presentations to those at risk.

“Officers talk to children about sparklers, appropriate bright and reflective clothing and the need to stay close to an adult at organised events.”

Young people are also given advice about when to call 999, the implications of hoax calls and the law around buying fireworks.

“We really want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night,” added Gary Willoughby of SYFR. 

“We will continue to run our personal safety sessions to try to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.”

Operation Dark Nights is a force-wide campaign providing important safety advice and reassurance to the public over the next four weeks.

Visit www.southyorkshire.police.uk/darknights for more information.