ADVERTISING students at the Warrington campus of the University of Chester have produced a chilling radio advert for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to promote the importance of fire safety during the festive season.
As part of brigade’s Christmas safety campaign, the powerful advert will be played on four local radio stations in the build-up to Christmas, to warn listeners of the dangers of leaving cookers unattended.
The 40-second commercial is set in a supermarket, with a mother reading out her shopping list as items go through the check-out. But the festive atmosphere soon turns sinister as the beeps of the check-out become the sound of a life-support machine, and the items on the shopping list become increasingly harrowing.
Every year, some 50 per cent of house fires are caused by unattended cookers, and this is compounded at Christmas by the increased consumption of alcohol and the greater number of family members in the home.
Kate Sillitoe, multimedia module leader, said: “To be given such an important campaign to work on gave the students such enthusiasm, and their confidence and production skills have increased tremendously.
“The students’ developing skills, combined with the expert assistance of our technical instructors, have produced a very powerful advert, which we hope will help to communicate the desired message.”
Coun Tony Hooton, chairman of the Fire Authority, added: “Christmas and New Year is a great time to have fun with family and friends, but unfortunately fires can start if people don’t take care. Therefore, I recommend that everyone follows simple fire safety tips so that everyone is safe to enjoy the festivities.”
The advertisement will be followed up by a viral video campaign after Christmas. To listen to the advert, visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/mediaplayer.asp
