Home safety fire checks firefighters
27 May 2009
Home safety fire checks firefighters
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is following up its own marketing and carrying out home fire safety checks in North Warwickshire’s more vulnerable areas.
A worrying trend has developed nationally with an increase in fire deaths in the UK, up 5% to 476 in the 12 months to the end of June 2008. On a more positive note, dwelling fires were down 6% to 51,000, the lowest since 1977.
North Warwickshire Area Risk Team’s watch manager, Andy Bates said: “The national trend shows that more people are dying as a result of fewer fires. Clearly that shows that the dwelling fires that do occur are more dangerous. Our task is not only to reduce the risk of a fire, but to lessen the risk of those that do occur being fatal. The checks ensure that potential fire hazards, such as unattended pans or plugs in sockets, are removed and that working smoke alarms give an early warning. The escape plans agreed with residents means that they can take the quickest and safest route out of the house.”
The North Warwickshire area risk team targeted the areas where there are the highest incidence of accidental dwelling fires. Officers dropped leaflets through the door alerting residents to the fact that the fire service would be in the area and urging people to contact them for a free home fire safety check.
The check carries out a few basic procedures such as ensuring residents have a bedtime fire safety routine, checking electrical appliances are switched off, that access to exits is clear and that people have an escape route.
Smoke alarms are checked and, where they are not in houses, installed and checked.
Mancetter resident, Mick Ludlow, was delighted to have his home checked. He said: “It makes life less risky. The home check has taught us a few things about making the place a bit safer.”
Andy Bates is confident that the procedures and heightened awareness from residents will lead to a reduction in house fires.
“We looked at our figures to see where there are more accidental dwelling fires. Rather than just tackle them when they happen, we have actively spoken to the community. After fire fighters have completed a home fire safety check, we leave a safer house with possible fire hazards removed and residents that are more aware of how to avoid fires happening. We anticipate a reduction in fires across the borough.”
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Media contact: Richard Harkin 01926 414162,
Picture shows: Mick Ludlow with Fire Fighter Wes Prosser