Firefighters are imploring people to be good neighbours this festive season and nominate a friend or loved one for a free fire safety visit.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are calling on members of the public to ‘Give the Gift of a Home Fire Safety Visit.'
During a Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) staff from your local fire station check for working smoke alarms or fit free alarms, give advice on how to protect safe escape routes in the event of a fire and advise on the safe placement of heaters and furniture.
Allan Hobson, who leads the Service’s Community Safety Team, said: “Every year we carry out thousands of HFSVs, many of them thanks to referrals from our local councils, social services and fellow emergency services.
“However, no formal referral from one of our partners is needed to access a visit. Anyone can nominate themselves, a loved one or someone, such as a neighbour, that they’re concerned about.”
The Service are especially keen to receive nominations for people who may be at additional risk due to one or more of the following characteristics: live alone, live and sleep mainly in one room, smoke, frequently use portable heaters, struggle with mobility issues or struggle to maintain the safe upkeep of their home.
Allan added: “It’s a common misconception that people must live in rented accommodation or social housing to qualify for a free visit and the fitting of free smoke alarms.
“Everyone is entitled to a free visit and the free installation of smoke alarms, regardless of the property size or ownership. We’ll visit houses and flats of all sizes, as well as residential caravans.”
Imploring people to get in touch, he said: “We ask that you all speak to your family members, friends and neighbours to help spread the word and encourage them to book a visit or support them in booking a visit.
“Likewise, you can contact us in good faith to report a home or resident that you believe would benefit from a visit. It may be a neighbour who appears to be struggling to upkeep their property, lives alone or someone you know or suspect that does not have working smoke alarms.
“Working smoke alarms save lives and it is imperative that those without functioning alarms have them fitted.
“We can act on your recommendation and arrange for a crew to attend their property and offer a free visit – which they are of course able to decline or ask us to rearrange to attend at another time and date.
“Our crews are always in uniform, carry ID badges and will arrive in Service owned vehicles.”
He added: “Protecting the vulnerable is everyone’s responsibility and by working together, we truly hope that we can help prevent fires and keep people safe this festive season and beyond.”
“I hope everyone watches our special festive animation and decides to give the gift of a Home Fire Safety Visit this Christmas.”
To arrange a HFSV for you or refer a neighbour or loved ones, call 0345 223 4221, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30am. Out of office you can leave a voicemail. Or access the attached link to make a referral: https://www.ddfire.gov.uk/free-home-fire-safety-visit
