The ‘Community Safe’ project from Gloucestershire’s Fire and Rescue Service is already making a positive impact in Northleach and Painswick.
The Community Safe project has been set up to further improve fire safety in Gloucestershire, for sale building close relationships with local businesses, treat towns and villages. It aims to reduce incidents in the home by firefighters working with communities to spot risks and make practical changes in advance to avoid incidents in future.
This summer fire crews visited more than 500 homes in Northleach and 400 homes in Painswick to deliver the project.
In August 60 free fire alarms were fitted and 69 home assessments, known as safe and well visits, were carried out.
The fire service worked with the nearby church, library and businesses to build local links which has resulted in a further ten requests for future home visits.
During the visits fire fighters are able to fit free smoke detectors and other special devices for those unable to hear a standard alarm. Fire retardant bedding can also be supplied and advice is available on all aspects of home safety.
Over the winter, and into next spring, firefighters will be visiting residents in Cirencester, Dursley, Cinderford, Tewkesbury, Gloucester and Cheltenham as the Community Safe project continues.
Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire and rescue service, said: “There’s been a significant reduction in fires across the county as a result of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s focus on fire prevention and protection.
“As the number of emergency call outs continue to fall year after year, initiatives such as safe and well visits have become a big part of the day job for fire crews who are trained to help communities identify risks and better protect themselves.”
The Fire Service now provide responders to the Telecare scheme which supports people to continue living safely and independently in their own home.
Using special sensors placed around the home Telecare services detect potential emergencies such as falls, fire, flooding, carbon monoxide and gas leaks. A falls detector, worn around the neck or on the wrist, automatically generates an emergency call if needed.
Next week is Home Safety Week (28th September to 4th October) and residents who would like to request a safe and well visit, or know anyone who may need help, are encouraged to contact Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 1804140.