The Brigade has awarded funds to WFHA to carry out the work and will train the Association’s staff to undertake the visits.
Home Fire Safety visits aim to reduce the risk of fires occurring by identifying fire risks in tenant’s homes and giving advice on how to rectify them. Ten-year battery smoke detectors, supplied by London Fire Brigade, will also be fitted where they are needed, so residents have early warning if a fire does occur and they can escape.
Financial support for the scheme is provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government, which has provided London Fire Brigade with funding for the delivery of home fire safety visits by partner organisations.
Waltham Forest Borough Commander Darren Dovey said: “We welcome this opportunity to work in partnership to reduce the risk of fires, fire deaths and fire injuries. Initiatives such as this save lives and prevent the unnecessary destruction that fires can cause.
“Waltham Forest Housing Association are the first registered social landlord in the borough to agree a partnership with the Brigade and we would like to see others follow such a responsible and proactive lead.”
Waltham Forest Housing Association aim to carry out around 170 home fire safety visits in the first year at the same time as tenants have a gas safety check completed.
Waltham Forest Housing Association Chief Executive Linda Milton said: “We are pleased to be part of this excellent initiative and hope that other Housing Associations will follow our example, to assist in decreasing the risk of death, injury and damage caused by fire.”
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