CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has hit its target of visiting more than 60,000 homes in a year to give advice and fit free smoke alarms.
The service has now visited more than half of all homes across Cheshire since it launched its Home Safety Assessment (HSA) programme in 2001.
The service reports fire-related injuries down 77% in recent years, property fires down 38% and just one fire death in 2009/10 – the lowest in a decade.
“For a Service of our size to have visited over 243,000 homes is a phenomenal achievement and a real tribute to the hard work, commitment and innovation shown by staff throughout our organisation,” said Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock.
“Not only are we doing large numbers of HSAs, we are visiting the right homes, with 64% of our visits in the last 12 months to people who are more at risk of fire.”
The Service completed a total of 62,225 HSAs in 2009/10 and is aiming to achieve a further 60,000 in the next financial year, with 60% of those aimed at people who are most at risk.
“Everyone from frontline firefighters and community safety advocates through to support staff have played their part in helping to hit our targets,” said Fire Authority Chair Cllr. David Topping.
“Our recent Cheshire Safety Day when staff from across the organisation joined with Members, partners and volunteers to compete over 1,600 HSAs in a single day showed just what a team effort this has been.”
The Service’s HSA programme offers vital fire safety advice including shutting all doors at night and having a clear escape plan.
RESIDENTS can book a HSA online by visiting the Service's website – http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/ – or by contacting their local community fire station.
