04 November 2004 - Free Home Fire Safety Checks a Success
East Lothian Community Safety Partnership has awarded £12,000 of funding over two years to be used in partnership with Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade to buy smoke alarms for their home fire safety check project.
The project, which focuses on firefighters taking a proactive role in the community by attempting to prevent fires from occurring, is in its fourth week and is proving to be very popular.
Convener of The Lothian and Borders Fire Board, Ken Harrold, Firemaster Brian Allaway, East Lothian Council’s Chief Executive John Lindsay, and Provost Pat O’Brien, celebrated the award of the smoke alarm funding at Musselburgh Fire Station.
The success of the Brigade’s pilot home safety scheme has led to the introduction of free home safety checks throughout the rest of the area. Firefighters at stations across East Lothian have received training in the delivery of fire safety advice and the fitting of smoke alarms.
During the home safety check the firefighters, who work in pairs, advise householders on fire safety matters such as the safe use of electrical appliances, smoker’s materials and candles. They also highlight the potential hazards of cooking. The visit ends with the testing of any smoke alarms in the home, and if necessary, their replacement. Free smoke alarms are fitted if they are required.
Firefighters who have been carrying out the checks have also gained from the project, saying it is “a positive experience with good feedback from the public”, and “I can’t see how it can’t make a difference”.
Pat O’Brien, the Provost of East Lothian Council said: “We welcome and support this smoke alarm initiative by the Fire Brigade which will raise awareness among householders about fire prevention and we hope in the long term save lives and prevent terrible injuries from burns.”
The Convener of The Lothian and Borders Fire Board, Ken Harrold, said “We welcome the provision of funding for these smoke alarms which will allow us to fully complete our home safety checks and fit smoke alarms where necessary. However, the fitting of a smoke alarm is only the first step and they should be looked after by the owner, checked regularly and the battery should always be in place”
People who would like to know more about the scheme, or would like to arrange a free home safety check should call Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade free on 0800 169 0320.
PHOTOCALL – 2.00pm Thursday 4th November 2004,
Musselburgh Fire Station
The photocall at Musselburgh Fire Station will feature a fire crew and fire engine, stacks of smoke alarms and
East Lothian Council’s Chief Executive John Lindsay,
Convener of The Lothian and Borders Fire Board Ken Harrold,
Firemaster Brian Allaway and Provost Pat O’Brien.
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