Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is launching a new online Home Fire Safety Check tool that will help Derbyshire residents stay safe from fire.
Launched during the National Fire Chiefs Councils (NFCC) Home Fire Safety Week, the easy-to-follow home fire safety check has been developed in partnership with the NFCC, Fire Kills and Safelincs. The check will take residents through their home one room at a time, and the simple questions will help people spot fire risks as they go around their home.
Speaking about the launch, Prevention Group Manager Lee Williams said: “It will never happen to me is something that most people think when it comes to a fire breaking out in the home, but sadly our data shows that fire can affect anyone.
“In 2021/22 Derbyshire Firefighters attended 377 accidental dwelling fires across the county where tragically 4 people lost their lives.
“While we work hard as a Service to raise awareness of the risk of fire and educate people about the dangers, everyone has a personal responsibility to prevent a fire in their home. Some quick and simple steps such as ensuring you have the correct number of smoke alarms fitted and knowing what to do in the event of fire are essential, but there are other factors and risks that can be unique to every home and every occupant – this is where the new online Home Fire Safety Check tool can help.
“A short 15-minute questionnaire will give people tips and advice about reducing the risk of fire and at the end of the process, a personalised fire safety action plan will be produced to help keep everyone in the home safe from fire.”
The new Home Fire Safety tool is designed for people who do not qualify for a free Safe and Well visit. It can be accessed online by clicking here.
Free Safe and Well visits target areas and households where officers know there is a higher risk of fire, primarily the more vulnerable groups in the community. As such, there is eligibility criteria for the Fire & Rescue Service safe and well checks. If you want to find out if you are eligible, please contact area admin teams by clicking here.