Utilities failure
The media and public safety – Learner challenge
Information for teachers
Introduction
This learner challenge is provided by Education Scotland to support the teaching of emergency and resilience education. It challenges learners to think about the role of the media
in preparing for emergencies, using the resources listed as a starting point for their own research.
The accompanying ‘Information for learners’ sheet provides a challenge brief, sets out the tasks, gives examples of useful resources and offers questions for learners to reflect
upon.
,
Experiences and Outcomes

I am learning to assess and manage risk, to protect myself and others, and to
reduce the potential for harm when possible. HWB 1-16a - 4-16a
examples
useful
andhow
offers
forand
learners
tosafe
reflect
 I knowofand
canresources
demonstrate
to questions
keep myself
others
andupon.
how to
respond in a range of emergency situations. HWB 1-17a - 4-17a

As I listen or watch, I can make notes, organise these under suitable headings
and use these to understand ideas and information and create new texts, using
my own words as appropriate. LIT 2-05a

As I listen or watch, I can make notes and organise these to develop thinking,
help retain and recall information, explore issues and create new texts, using
my own words as appropriate. LIT 3-05a – 3-05b
Taking it further
There are a number of ways that this activity can be taken forward or linked to other
important Ready for Emergency activities. These activities might include:

Taking the messages from the 1987 advert and creating a modern day version of it.

Creating other public safety advertisements for other Ready for Emergency
activities such as frozen pipes or winter weather.

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/readyforemergencies
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Utilities failure
The media and public safety – Learner challenge
Information for learners
Challenge brief
The media can play an important part in preparing people and communities for
potential emergencies. But advertising has changed dramatically over the last 20
years or so.
In this activity you will spend time watching some British Gas Adverts from the
1980s and some adverts that are popular on the television today. Apart from the
bad haircuts, there are some other things that have changed in gas advertising
over the years.
Your job is to think about why companies have changed their key messaging over
time and how this might have an impact on sales versus safety.
Resources
New British Gas Advert –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jT04CL28FQ&list=PL00CDAA0278BAEEDE&index=
1&feature=plpp_video
Old British Gas Advert - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y79Ar-x4eoI
Reflective questions

How might a major gas leak impact on your life and the lives of others in their
household or community?
Tasks

What influence / responsibility does the media have in making sure that
communities are ready for emergencies such as utility failure?
Watch the two British gas adverts from 1987 and 2012 (see ‘Resources’). Compare
and discuss what you see.

What is the role of public and private companies in ensuring public safety and
promoting key messages?
How have the key messages changed since 1987 and have gas companies moved
from promoting safety to promoting efficiency?
Why do you think this might be?
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/readyforemergencies
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