Fire alarm campaign hits 10th anniversary

Apr 29 2009 by Amy Salter, Bromborough and Bebington News

FIREFIGHTERS are aiming to visit a quarter of a million homes across Merseyside this year in a bid to save lives.

Today, officers are launching their campaign in conjunction with Wirral News Group where they will be knocking on hundreds of doors to fit free smoke alarms and give safety advice.

The Home Fire Safety Check campaign marks the 10th year that firefighters have been visiting homes across the county. During that time they have fitted over 400,000 free smoke alarms.

If the force meets its ambitious target this year, they will have been to every home on Merseyside.

To achieve their goal, firefighters will be going into 60 communities throughout the year and visiting up to 800 homes on each occasion.

Chief Fire Officer Tony McGuirk said: “Ten years ago it was completely unheard of for firefighters to visit people’s homes and fit free smoke alarms. Now it’s accepted not just in Merseyside but across the country. We are extremely proud to have started that catalyst. We have now fitted over 400,000 free smoke alarms.

“It’s no coincidence that in that time the number of accidental fires in the homes has dramatically reduced and with it deaths and injuries caused by fire. But one death is still one too many and we will continue to do all we can to prevent fires.”

A guidance pack with information and advice will be left for people who don’t want a home fire safety check or who cannot be contacted.

Anyone who wants to arrange a time convenient for them can call (freephone) 0800 731 5958.