In the UK busy fire stations were once proud to be fighting a large number of fires. In Japan the level of preventative work with communities meant that busy fire stations were a source of shame. They indicated that education programmes had failed. The UK has learned from the Japanese example, among others, and is building community safety work into the body of its approach to firefighting. I am glad then to see a similar approach towards public warning.
Educational experts say that safety lessons are learned for life by children.
The focus of this video is seven to eleven years olds. Researchers have ensured that the 'go in, stay in, tune in' message is not confused with the important fire safety advice to 'get out, call the fire brigade and stay out'. I urge emergency managers to promote the film in primary schools, either through education advisors, school governors or community schemes. Many of you here today will be aware that there is some concern over who is, or should be, responsible for issuing alerts to the public in the event of emergencies. My officials are therefore convening a group of interested parties who will prepare a position paper on this issue for consideration by government.