Avondhu region fire fighters have made safety at home the focus of their campaign, as they promote National Fire Safety Week, which is currently under way.
The week long event promoting fire safety runs until October 12 and the theme of this year’s campaign is centred on the message ‘STOP Fire; Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives’.
Organisers said that while the number of fire fatalities recorded in Ireland has declined over the last 15 years, recent research has shown that the majority of those who die are alone at the time of the fire and the most common time for a fatal fire to occur is between midnight and 2am during the winter months.
Cork County Council’s Fire Service said they are mindful of the fact that people are spending more time in their homes as a result of remote working, cocooning and Covid related restrictions.
Their Fire Safety Week campaign aims to encourage people to assess fire safety measures in their homes and implement common sense safeguards where possible.
SIMPLE MEASURES
Cork County Council’s Chief Fire Officer, Seamus Coughlan issued advice to householders.
“As part of a safety assessment, people should be mindful of whether they have sufficient smoke alarms installed and check that they are working. Alarms should be tested regularly. Has an escape plan been discussed your family or housemates?
“Just like in a place of work, it is vital that everyone at home knows where to go and what to do in the event of a fire: Get Out – Get the Fire Brigade Out – Stay Out. Ensure that everyone knows the Eircode in case they need to call 999 or 112 for the Fire Service.
“Memorise the code and consider keeping in it a safe place such as on the fridge, bedside locker or phone.
“Ask yourself when the chimney or stove flue were last cleaned. Over one quarter of the fire calls that Cork County Fire Service respond to are chimney fires.
“We strongly advise implementing simple safeguards such as spark guards, a nighttime routine of closing doors to reduce the potential spread of fire and smoke, control of candles and preventing overloaded sockets.
“We also work alongside the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management to provide community groups with 10-year battery operated smoke alarms for distribution and installation for elderly and vulnerable residents.
“I implore any interested groups to reach out to Cork County Council’s Fire Service at fireinfo@corkcoco.ie,” said Mr Coughlan.
Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, said it was for everyone to ensure that their environments are safe.
“Cork County Council’s Fire Service play a vital role throughout our communities and have done exceptional work in responding to incidents this year and supporting communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We implore communities to support these frontline workers by following their advice and ensuring that your home environment is as safe as possible coming into the winter months.”
