He may be a retired firefighter but Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service mascot Curtis keeps landing himself in trouble — it is a good thing he has an audience of schoolchildren to help him out.

During this year’s Fire Safety Awareness Week, which starts on Monday, Bermuda’s schoolchildren will be able to learn all about the importance of planning their escape in the event of a fire.

Acting Sergeant Gavin Carter, who portrays Curtis, said this “is one of the things that consistently saves lives”.

“When people face disaster, typically in fire situations, things can get out of control extremely quickly. When you’ve planned and you’ve prepared, things tend to come easier.”

Sergeant Jamal Albuoy, with the fire prevention division, added that people tend to panic when confronted by a fire because they don’t know what to do.

He added: “So the point is to heighten the awareness and get the message out about being safe and using equipment safely.”

Mr Albuoy also pointed out that people tend to enter and exit a building through the same door. But he said knowing another exit can help them get out if that way is blocked.

Mr Albuoy and Mr Carter, the fire safety education officer, urged everyone to make sure they always “know two ways out”.

This is the theme of this year’s awareness week, which runs until October 13, and Mr Albuoy and Mr Carter have built props that children can explore while learning about fire safety.

Mr Carter said: “Jamal just built a wonderful tunnel — it’s something simple but on the side it says ‘get low and crawl’.

“That sends the message to children that in the event there’s a fire in your house, you know exactly what to do.”

Last year, about 1,200 children took part in the awareness week and this year Curtis — the brainchild of former BFRS firefighter Arthur Raynor — will be back to help get the message across.

Mr Carter said Curtis has good intentions but makes a lot of mistakes.

“We find that the children get a real kick out of helping Curtis get back on track. We make it obvious enough that they can see the difference between right and wrong.

“It’s unbelievable how real they take it — they get really, really involved in it.”

They will also be giving out copies of Curtis’ Fire Safety Activity and Colouring Book, which has been created specifically with Bermuda in mind.

Mr Carter said the book, sponsored by reinsurance firm MS Amlin and dedicated to former firefighters, is for the whole family to learn about fire safety.

He added that with an increased focus on education throughout the year, “this is just the beginning of a lot of good things to come for the Fire Service”.

As part of the awareness week, schoolchildren will also be able to take part in a poster and essay competitions and the winners will be announced on October 13.

On October 12, Hamilton Fire Station will be open to the public and adults can learn how to correctly use a fire extinguisher

The island’s other fire stations will also be open during the week to visitors who make an appointment by calling 292-5555.