Blues Pair Back Bonfire Safety

Anichebe and Duffy make school visit to promote bonfire safety.

Everton stars Victor Anichebe and Shane Duffy have called on Merseyside residents to stay safe this bonfire night by following the advice of their local firefighters.
 
The Blues duo met Year 7 pupils at the Academy of St Francis of Assisi in Kensington ahead of the school half-term to encourage young people to attend organised firework displays on November 5th and help keep their communities safe.
 
As well as helping Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service to deliver key safety messages to youngsters, Duffy and Anichebe got involved in a Fire Fit activity, leading teams of young people in a hose-running competition.

The visit was devised in order to help the youngsters to understand the demands placed on firefighters during the bonfire period and the dangers of hoax calls, anti-social behaviour and misuse of fireworks.
 
It was just one in a series of visits carried out by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service to schools across the regions to highlight how young people can keep themselves and their communities safe during the bonfire period.
 
Anichebe said: “Everyone wants to enjoy bonfire night but it’s really important to follow the advice from the fire service to make sure you stay safe.
 
“The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an organised display so that’s what I’ll be doing this year.”
 
James Berry, from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: "We have already had some build-ups of bonfire materials reported to us in Merseyside. This allows us to act quickly and remove it from the streets so the danger to people and property in communities in Merseyside is reduced.
 
“This is a time for individuals and families to have fun but not at the expense of other people. Agencies are working hard to prevent problems arising so money is not wasted on dealing with damage caused through anti-social behaviour or fire setting and can be spent on much better things.
 
“Wheelie bins should be stored away from windows and doors and should only be put out on the day of collection and removed as soon as possible after collection to a secure location.”
 
Principal Dermot McNiffe from the Academy of St Francis of Assisi said: “We are delighted Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Everton Football Club are working together to highlight firework and bonfire safety. It is important to promote safety messages to young people and that all members of the community respect and support the great work that firefighters do.”
 
To report an unsafe bonfire or storage of bonfire materials for removal, to arrange a Home Fire Safety Check and for arson prevention advice call Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958. Outside office hours please leave a message with your details and a contact number.