Recent visitors to Barrow or Kendal fire stations who may have heard youngsters shouting 'help, fire', or Freddie has just been kidnapped,' can rest assured their ears were not playing tricks on them.
The commotion is all part of an imaginative way of teaching Year 6 children how to cope with everyday dangers safely and effectively called the Junior Citizen Scheme.
The scheme provides a practical training ground for youngsters preparing to venture into the big wide world, while at the same time encouraging good citizenship and sense of community responsibility.
Around 1,800 children have passed through the doors of Barrow and Kendal fire stations in the last few weeks where they have been learning how to stay safe through a programme of scenario-based practical activities.
A total of 75 schools from South Lakeland, Furness and Copeland have been taking part in the scheme which is run by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service in partnership with Cumbria Police.
The initiative, which is running again this week to coincide with national Child Safety week (18-24 June), is made possible thanks to the support of a varuiety of different agencies ranging from HM Coastguard to Age Concern.
Teachers from schools attending this year's event have described the scheme as, 'probably the most vital part of the children's citizenship programme because it's practical,' and, 'An excellent and well organised event pitched at the correct level for the children to learn.'
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service's Group Manager for Community Risk, Dave Coverdale, said: "The aim of the scheme is to provide interactive scenarios that require schoolchildren to make decisions about their actions with regard to personal safety, the safety of others.
"This year's programme of events would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of firefighters, community safety people and the other agencies involved.
"Special thanks must also go to the band of helpers from Alfred Barrow School who have assisted by acting as guides for younger pupils from Barrow, and the support and refreshments laid on by ASDA in Kendal."
The scenarios that have been included this year, focus on the the following key safety messages;
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service - 'Fire Safety in the home', 'Fire escape plans' and 'Calling the Fire & Rescue Service'
Police - 'Stranger Danger', 'Anti-social behaviour', 'Railway Safety' and 'Internet Safety (assisted by KTD from Kendal)'
Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service - 'Drug Awareness/ Risk taking'
School Nurses - 'Health Awareness - Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking'
Road Safety Officer - 'Dash Out - How to Cross the road safely'
HM Coast Guard - 'Beach /Water Safety'
Ambulance Service - 'First Aid'
Age Concern - 'Effects of Anti-social behaviour on the elderly'
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337