Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service Press Release
Get a sneak peak of the new SkillZONE
The countdown is on to the opening of SkillZONE, Gloucestershire's first interactive educational centre which teaches people to stay safe. And you can get an exclusive look at a public open day on 8th September 2012.
SkillZONE is a new state of the art life size village based in Tuffley, Gloucester, and it officially opens to visitors on 17th September 2012.
Before then, families have the chance to take an exclusive look at the centre during a public open day on Saturday 8th September between 10am and 4pm.
Admission costs £1 a head, with under 5's going free.
SkillZONE is an interactive learning environment designed to teach people of all ages how to recognise dangerous situations and stay safe.
The 16 zones in SkillZONE cover a range of scenarios including road, rail and water safety, as well as opportunities to cover home and personal safety.
It will be staffed by existing fire service staff and volunteer guides to guide groups around the scenarios, encouraging visitors to identify dangers and actions to reduce risk.
Tim Lanfear, Station Commander for Skills for Life said: "SkillZONE will soon be used to teach school children and other groups about how to keep safe."
"Before then we wanted to give families the opportunity to take a look at the great facilities we have here, from magistrate court rooms to prison cells, and from beaches and parks to railway stations."
Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "The new SkillZONE will help us to promote community safety and reduce serious injuries and deaths in homes, at work and in local areas."
"The open day is a brilliant opportunity to take a look at the centre and have a fun day out with the family whilst learning more about keeping safe in a fun and informative way."
Families visiting SkillZONE will be able to take a look at the adjoining new Gloucester South fire station, which is holding a station open day on the same day.
This is the fourth of the new community fire stations which are now all open.
Bookings are now being taken for groups and organisations like schools, to visit SkillZONE to learn more about the importance of staying safe. To book a space visit www.skillzone.glosfire.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes to news editors
Issued by: Lisa Bonnell, Gloucestershire County Council's Media Team, 01452 425226, lisa.bonnell@glosfire.gov.uk
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2nd August 2012