14 February 2008
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is offering free fire safety advice and smoke alarms to homes throughout the area.
Safer Caerphilly County Borough Community Safety Partnership are at the forefront of this initiative which allows householders to register for a Home Fire Safety Check by telephoning the freephone number 0800 169 1234.
Local fire crews will then make an appointment to visit their home and carry out a fire safety check, where many people will find themselves eligible for smoke alarms to be fitted free of charge.
Firefighters will look for potential danger areas in the home, offer guidance on how to reduce the risk of fire, as well as encouraging occupants to think about an escape plan in the event of a fire.
Mick Flanagan, Group Manager for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said, "The death rate in domestic fires where there is no working smoke alarm is significantly higher than in homes fitted with a working smoke alarm. Fitting and maintaining a smoke alarm is the simplest and most effective way of saving lives. Fires in homes with a working smoke alarm are likely to be discovered more quickly than those without an alarm, and allow occupants more time to escape from their property. We urge everyone in Caerphilly County Borough to take advantage of the Home Fire Safety Check initiative, and book an appointment using the freephone number."
Even if people already have a working smoke alarm at home, they will also benefit from the sound, professional fire safety advice given by the firefighters, which could reduce the risk of fire at their property.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service recommends fitting smoke alarms on every level of your home and that they should be tested weekly, cleaned out with a vacuum cleaner nozzle every 6 months and have their batteries replace annually.
To book a free Home Fire Safety Check, call freephone 0800 169 1234.
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