Live fire demonstration aims to keep Bideford customers safe this winter
Customers from our older people’s scheme in Bideford received a visit from firefighters last week (22 November), who shared top tips for keeping fire safe this winter.
Around 25 people from Marlborough Court also got the chance to watch an oil pan fire demonstration - showing how quickly pans can set alight when water is used to put out a fire caused by oil.
The visit coincided with the launch of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s winter safety campaign, called ‘Treasured People’, which aims to lower the number of false alarms it is called out to during the colder months.
The Service sees a rise in false alarms during the winter months, due to smoke alarms sounding without an actual fire taking place. These are often the result of cooking disasters and faulty smoke alarms.
Data also shows that these false alarms affect more people in the over 65 age group - especially among those living on their own in the Devon and Somerset region.
Luke Lucassi, a firefighter for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We always look forward to visiting members of our community who are most at-risk and helping to educate them on our important safety messages.
“We understand that life gets busy, and it can be so easy to forget little things such as cleaning smoke alarms, so they don’t go off unnecessarily, and setting timers so we don’t get distracted while cooking.
“We’re also encouraging people to check-in on those who might be vulnerable or less able to protect themselves if they experience a fire. If you do know someone, please knock on their door, and take a moment to run through our safety tips with them. A simple chat could save a life.”
Tracey Copp, Health and Safety Manager at Westward Housing said: “The Westward Housing residents at our Marlborough Court older people’s scheme learnt a great deal about fire safety during their visit from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
“Learning about the risks of chip pan fires was made even more realistic by having a firefighter provide a live demonstration to show the dangers. Hopefully our customers won’t panic if this ever happens to them but will remember the great advice they were given.”
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Treasured People’ campaign will run until the end of January, 2024. People can find out more about the campaign and ways to keep safe by visiting: Keep people you love fire safe this winter | Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (dsfire.gov.uk)