Local man calls for some life saving advice!
A Brinklow man who was lucky to escape with his life after becoming trapped in his flat while a fire raged downstairs has once again called upon the emergency services to help rescue him. However, this time it is before a blaze begins!
Firefighters from Brinklow fire station were asked by local resident Mick Holt to come and carry out a home fire safety check in his new home. Mick who narrowly escaped death last April when his flat caught alight said that this time he is taking no chances. He continued: “If there had been a smoke alarm in my old property, I would have been given an early warning of the fire and I would of had more time to escape. It has taken me over a year to re-build my life after spending months recovering from the blaze in hospital. I owe a lot to the firefighters who risked their life to save me, which is why I want to stress how important it is that you have a working smoke alarm in your home.”
Brinklow Sub Officer, Moreno Francioso said:
“Mick approached me and asked if we could carry out a Home Fire Safety Check and give him some information about fire safety as he was moving into his new home, over 12 months after suffering a fire in his flat and nearly losing his life. He said it was the first thing on his list to get sorted before he moved in. After the fire he spent a lot of time in hospital and has been staying with some good friends in the village until now, as he feels strong enough and ready to carry on his life. During the check we supplied and fitted smoke detectors and gave general fire safety advice, we also spoke to him about his escape plan if anything should occur. Mick was very lucky, but it has taken him a long time to rebuild his life. If he had a smoke alarm in his home he would have been able to get out of his flat before the fire had taken hold.“
Home fire safety checks are carried out free of charge to families with young children, single parent families, people on low incomes and the elderly. For further information on how to apply for a free home fire safety check please contact the Fire Safety Helpline on 01926 466282 or log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue