21st April 2011

WEYMOUTH: Free fire home safety checks

DORSET Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new interactive referral point for partners and members of the public to request a Home Safety Check.

DFRS provides free home safety checks as part of its commitment to reduce deaths and injuries caused by accidental fires in the home.

These involve a member of DFRS staff visiting homes and fitting or replacing smoke alarms, giving advice on the use of candles, unattended cooking, electric blankets, overloading sockets, chimneys, low energy light bulbs and much more.

This is all free of charge with the aim of encouraging residents to think about fire safety in the home.

The new online form for requesting one of these home safety checks can be found at www.dorsetfire.gov.uk. Individuals need to fill out the form with their name and address details and click “submit”.

New PinPoint technology will analyse whether or not they are in high, medium or low risk groups and they will either receive a free home safety check or home safety advice with a home checklist.

DFRS prevention and partnerships head Linzi Holt said: “We are committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable in our communities are safe from the risk of fire in their home.

“Our robust home safety check will identify any hazards in the property and we will give advice and guidance on how to reduce risks.

“We hope this new system will target our resources much more effectively and keep those most at risk safe from fire.”

Anyone unable to access the new independent referral point can also make a referral by contacting 01305 252600.