The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority is the independent body that ensures the local fire and rescue service performs efficiently and in the best interests of the public and community it serves.

Home Fire Risk Assessments or a Home Fire Safety Check can sound daunting to many people, especially the elderly. This will explain what a check entails and how you can go about having one carried out.

A Home Fire Risk Assessment is where members of your local Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home, at a time convenient to you, and carry out an inspection of your home.  The visit could be carried out by firefighters who are operational (don’t be surprised if a fire engine arrives at your home) or a dedicated team from the local Fire and Rescue Service.

If you are visited by a crew please be aware that a fire appliance can be called away at a moment’s notice as it is still part of operational resources within your area.  The crew will of course call back, or arrange another date if needed.

The Home Fire Risk Asessment visits are carried out by operational crews, they are completely free of charge and you may also be eligible for free smoke alarms to be fitted where required.  You will not be sold anything.

The visits focus on three key areas:

• Identify and be aware of the potential fire risks within your home.
• Know what to do in order to reduce or prevent these risks.
• Put together an escape plan in case a fire does break out and ensure you have working smoke alarms.

The inspection of your home is not intrusive.  They will visit your home, sit down and talk to you about fire safety issues covering areas such as; electrical safety, smoking safety and the use of electric blankets.  Then, with your permission, they will look at the various rooms in your property paying particular attention to overloaded plug sockets or wires trapped under carpets.

The crew will ensure that doors shut correctly and advise you of any remedial work that they feel may be in order for you to become safer within your home.  You are welcome to ask any questions that you feel you need answers to in respect of your home safety.  They will also run through an escape plan if you do not already have one.

In addition to the above, you may qualify for free smoke alarms to be fitted within your home.  The crew will carry this out completely free of charge and can fit them in a matter of minutes, ensuring you are safer from the moment they leave.

Can you afford not to take advantage of this offer?  You could pay the ultimate price if you don't!  Contact Fire Kills 0800 050 2999.

Stay Safe!