FIREFIGHTERS across Hertfordshire are supporting a hard-hitting Government campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by accidental house fires.
Every year the UK's fire and rescue service attend more than 50,000 accidental house fires. These fires account for more than 350 unnecessary fatalities and at least 11,000 avoidable injuries a year.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minster (ODPM) launched the national fire prevention campaign last Thursday under the slogan A fire doesn't have to kill you to take your life'.
"This campaign supports the work Hertfordshire fire and rescue is already doing to reduce fires in the home," said County Councillor David Lloyd, executive member for community safety.
"Earlier this year the service launched its free home fire safety check initiative. Since April, the service has visited more than 1,500 Hertfordshire homes to talk to people about fire safety and the best way to prevent fires in the home."
Herts fire and rescue service is proposing to set up a new community safety task force as part of its Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP), which will go out for consultation in November.
The service hopes to increase its prevention work even further.
The thought-provoking campaign highlights the devastating emotional and financial burden a house fire can have and encourages homeowners to take measures to prevent fires breaking out in the home.
To support the campaign, the fire service has produced a re-usable Fire Prevention Handbook, which focuses on fire prevention, detection and escape routes in the home.
The safety pack includes a life-saving checklist for householders, a section on how to keep children safe from fire and a guide on where to seek further fire safety advice.
Divisional Officer Simon Brown, said: "I would urge people to really think about this campaign and order a safety pack or book a free home fire safety check with us.
"Making some simple changes in your home could help prevent a fire breaking out in your home."
People can order a fire prevention handbook by calling 08456 087 087 or download it by visiting www.firekills.co.uk For a free home safety check call Herts fire and rescue service on 0800 5873347 to arrange an appointment.
For fire safety advice call Watford on 01923 471399 or Stevenage on 01438 737399 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/fire
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