My job has always been a little bit about fire fighting. One day I’ll be stretching budgets to respond to cuts and the next I’m campaigning about welfare reform. However, in the last six months part of my role has become about actually preventing fires. My team now work in partnership with Notts Fire and Rescue to reduce fire risk for vulnerable people.
The partnership we have with the fire service has been fantastic. They have supported my staff every step of the way with specialist training and advice. I’ve managed a good few partnerships in my time and this one is far and above the best. Kudos to Notts Fire and Rescue, their prevention work is second to none.
So what do my staff actually do?
First of all they go out and visit vulnerable people, complete an assessment and advise on fire safety. They will inspect the property, paying particular attention to overloaded plug sockets, wires trapped under carpets and general safety hazards like cigarette burns, mobile heaters, electric blankets and old style chip pans. They’ll also ensure that doors close properly, windows open freely and if the client needs to exit the property safely, they have an escape plan.
They then fit free smoke alarms, hand over fire-retardant bedding and supply cooker timers. They do a great job and have probably prevented at least five sure fire disasters waiting to happen. (Excuse the pun)
One of the deadliest indicators that someone is at risk of fire is hoarding. Clutter blocking exits is bad enough, but when you have boxes piled up in every room, it’s worse because this serves as fuel for the fire.
Here’s a house we visited today.
Jon Leighton 