17 October 2007
The first group of Children’s Centre staff from Leeds to be trained to carry out home fire safety checks have passed with flying colours.
Twenty staff from Children’s Centres in east Leeds took part in the two-week course at Stanningley Fire Station, run by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. They learned how to identify fire hazards and risks in homes and give safety advice and guidance.
During the home visits staff complete a form, which is then passed on to WYFRS to record. Any occupants identified to be at risk are referred back for fire and rescue service specialist officers to follow up and deal with.
Gordon Wright, Leeds District Community Fire Safety Team Manager for WYFRS, said: “Training Children’s Centre staff has many benefits. Firstly, they are more likely to visit and gain entry into these often difficult to reach target groups and vulnerable families, particularly those with children.
“It means we have more people out there visiting homes, so more smoke alarms are fitted and advice given. Ultimately this means more fires are prevented and people are less likely to be injured or killed.
“This is just the beginning for us, as more Children’s Centres are planned for Leeds and we hope to roll out the training programme to more nominated staff in the future.”
Councillor Richard Brett, executive board member for Leeds Children's Services, said: "This partnership shows exactly what our Children's Centres are all about – providing coordinated and caring services at the heart of our communities.
"I'm really proud of this group and I'm sure their equally dedicated and talented colleagues in other centres across the city will soon join them in passing with flying colours."
To book a free home fire safety check, which includes the fitting of free smoke alarms, call freephone 0800 587 4536.
-ends-
For further information contact Kelly Thornham in the Media and PR Unit on
01274 655807.
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