I understand that most components of the kits are individually available directly from the main Fire Station office in town (for free), with the exception of the pre-school material which they only give out as a complete classroom set. See Selina-Jane for anything out of this kit.
The Fire Service is perfectly happy for this material to be copied and distributed any number of times - including the CDs and DVDs. There are no copyright issues at all with copying material from the kits. Their main interest is getting the information seen and used by as many people as possible.
Selina-Jane's description of the kits:
The first kit is for pre-schoolers. It has a large A2 size book with cartoon characters of a fire engine, fire extinguisher, smoke detector and letter box. It has a rhyming story which gives the basic fire message: fire is hot and fast, when the smoke detector beeps shout "fire" and get out of the house, and meet at the letterbox, which is a safe place. It has posters showing each of the cartoon characters, a poster of a real fire engine and fire fighters, and a poster of a fire fighter in breathing apparatus. The latter two posters have arrows pointing to various bits of equipment, and naming them. There are also small books, repeating the story in the large book, which are intended for children to read, look at and keep. There is a CD with the Fire Wise song on it, with the message "get out, stay out, well done". My 3 year old adores it and asks for it repeatedly. Included in the kit is a 1 page sheet of suggestions on how to go over the materials with your pre-schooler. I have to admit that I was unimpressed with those suggestions, but the rest of the kit is excellent. There is also a map activity to make a plan of your house, and exits to get outside. I personally felt that it was far too detailed for pre-schoolers, but think it would be ideal for the next target group, 5-7 year olds.
The next kit is for years 1 & 2 (5-7 year olds). It has a teachers manual with discussion topics and activities to do with your children. I personally have been highly impressed with this, and would recommend it. It is very comprehensive, and includes some cartoon characters to cut out and role play what to do if there is a fire. There are student activity booklets which are great with activities such as a snakes and ladders game with fire messages to enable you to go forward or have to go back. There are certificates to give the children when they have finished the unit, and small cards for them to fill out with all the details they would give in a 111 call, and they can place these near the phone so they remember what to say. There are 2 friezes, one with the "stop, drop, and roll" message, and the other with "get down, get low, get out" message. It also has the Maori myth of Maui & Mahuika and how fire came to people.
The last kit is for years 7&8 (intermediate age children). This is on 2 DVD's, one with the teachers information, and one with students information. I have not extensively looked at this as my children are not in this age group. I understand it has games, activities and information, and is an extension of the previous kit for 5-7 year olds. (note added: one Mum I was talking to, whose child is operating at this level, recommends the DVD as excellent).
I hope all this detail has not been too overwhelming, and a little bit helpful. please feel free to call me, or email me if you would like more information about any of the kits, or if you would like access to one. If you would like to view them, I have examples of each at my house, and we can organise a time for you to come and look.
Blessings, Selina-Jane
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