Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service works with Derby Homes to reduce home fires

10/05/12

Derby Homes and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) are proud to announce that they have developed a Home Fire Safety Check (HFSC) strategy to promote fire safety in the home. This partnership approach not only identifies potential risks but also educates residents in order to reduce the numbers and severity of fires within the home.

A series of measures have been introduced with staff and tenants. DFRS ensure that Derby Homes' staff are highly trained and are provided with appropriate literature and support. Since February 2011, 957 HFSC's have been carried out by Derby Homes' staff.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Andy Waldie said "DFRS are really pleased to be working with Derby Homes on a Home Fire Safety Check Strategy; this is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote fire safety and reduce the number of fires in the home. By working together we can educate more residents about the potential risks of fire and offer advice on keeping safe."

One of Derby Homes tenants, Donna Gadsby, from Chellaston said "Our local housing officer came and did a Home Fire Safety Check last week. They showed us how to check the smoke alarms, helped us plan a fire evacuation plan and gave us lots of information. I found it really useful and it reassured us that in the event of a fire, we would know what to do."

Derby Homes installs hard wired smoke alarms in all properties and has included a requirement for access for a HFSC in all Tenancy Agreements. All new tenants receive a visit within the first three months of the start of their tenancy, usually combined with an introductory tenancy visit.

Housing Officers ensure that all existing tenants are also checked. The checks involve giving general advice to tenants on: appliances, cooking, heaters, storage of fuels and smoking. It also involves ensuring they know how to test smoke alarms, and plan escape routes if a fire starts. Housing Officers complete a check list with tenants and offer advice on reducing risk. Tenants are asked to take action where necessary. All forms comply with DFRS data protection protocols.

Hazards such as hoarding and overloaded sockets are referred to DFRS who will offer support and fire safety advice to the tenant. Vulnerable tenants are also identified. Actions follow where homes are identified as high risk. Examples are:

• A history of fires in the home - installation of a sprinkler system or a Firesafe referral
• Evidence of careless smoking or inappropriate cooking methods - Fire proof blankets/bedding
• Inappropriate use of electrics - Multi-socket adaptor
• Use of chip pan - provide deep fat fryer

DFRS conduct periodic audits to ensure that HFSC's are completed to a high standard which is current and relevant to tenants. Derby Homes meet quarterly with the DFRS to discuss fires in Derby Homes' tenancies and develop action plans or publicity drives, where necessary.

Statistics provided by the Fire Service indicate that there has been a reduction in fires in Derby Homes' properties since the HFSC's began in 2008 with 957 HFSC's being carried out by Derby Homes' staff since February 2011 to date.

You can download a copy of this press release below.

For more information

Contact either:

Melanie Allen
Marketing Office, Derby Homes, Floor 3, South Point, Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road, Derby, DE1 3QT.
Telephone 01332 888532
E-mail melanie.allen@derbyhomes.org

Rachel Palmer
Public Relations Officer, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, The Old Hall, Burton Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 6EH.
Telephone 01332 771221
E-mail rpalmer@derbys-fire.gov.uk