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September 26, 2007
Of the 1,306 dwelling fires that have occurred across West Yorkshire so far this year, 480 homes did not have a smoke detector and on 90 occasions the alarm did not sound because it was defective or the battery was dead or missing.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service aims for every single household in the county to have a working smoke detector. As part of National Fire Safety Week, which starts Monday, October 1, fire chiefs are urging people to install smoke alarms and, just as importantly, check them regularly.
Craig McIntosh, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Fire Safety and Community Relations, said: “So far this year, more than 42,500 home fire safety checks have been carried out across West Yorkshire, which means more than 42,500 lives could potentially have been saved through the fitting of free smoke detectors when our staff and firefighters have carried out the checks.
“We know that working smoke alarms save lives. They can give you and your family the necessary warning to get out in the early stages of a fire, which should in turn allow us to get to you more quickly.
“Once fitted, they do require testing and some annual maintenance. The one sombre message I would leave you with is – dead batteries can be replaced, dead families cannot.”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will be taking a roadshow around every district in the county during National Fire Safety Week. District Managers and community fire safety staff to encourage passers by to book a free home fire safety check.
Brigade mascot Blaze Bear will also join the roadshow, and there will be a fun competition which will involve guessing the number of batteries in a jar.
To book a free home fire safety check call 0800 587 4536 or visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting the following places during National Fire Safety Week:
Monday, October 1 – 9am – 3pm
Kirkgate Shopping Centre, Bradford.
At 1.30pm Craig McIntosh will launch National Fire Safety Week in West Yorkshire.
There will be a large display in the centre.
Tuesday, October 2 – 9am – 3pm
St John’s Centre, Leeds.
There will be a large display.
Wednesday, October 3 – 9am – 3pm
Dewsbury Market, Dewsbury town centre.
The WYFRS roadshow and chip pan display unit will be there to attract shoppers.
Thursday, October 4 – 9am – 3pm
Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village, Castleford.
There will be a large display.
Friday, October 5 – 9am – 3pm
Woolshops, Halifax.
The WYFRS roadshow and chip pan display unit will be there to attract shoppers.