London Fire Brigade and Croydon Council have joined forces, hoping to prevent fire from wrecking the lives of local people.
As part of a new scheme, firefighters will visit Croydon Council’s tenants and pass on advice that could protect their homes and families from the dangers posed by fire.
The Brigade had to attend nearly 250 accidental fires in homes in Croydon last year, but many of these blazes could have been prevented by taking simple precautions.
From October, the Council will share housing information with London Fire Brigade, who will then arrange visits with tenants who could benefit from fire safety advice. At the same time the existing smoke alarm will be replaced. Firefighters will prioritise homes that have had an alarm fitted by the council, which is reaching the end of its battery life.
It’s hoped that the scheme will lead to around 10,000 visits over the next six years, complementing existing Fire Brigade projects which aim to ensure all of the Borough’s residents are safe from fire.
Cyril O’Brien, London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for Croydon said: “People know us as an organisation that puts out fires but this scheme will stop them from starting in the first place. Our firefighters will visit homes, chat to residents about how to protect themselves from fire and fit free smoke alarms.
“We’re delighted to be working with Croydon Council to reach more local people as this initiative will reduce fires and could save lives. We shouldn’t forget that in a fire every second counts, and smoke alarms buy valuable time needed to get out and call the Brigade.”
Cllr Dudley Mead, Deputy Leader of the council and cabinet member for housing said “We have been working closely with the LFB to reduce fire and the risk of fire for a number of years now and we are very pleased to be joining forces once again for this innovative project. The health and safety of our tenants is our top priority and this new initiative to replace their old smoke alarms when they reach the end of their battery life will be of real benefit to them.”
Alongside the partnership scheme, any Croydon resident can arrange a free home fire safety visit by calling 08000 28 44 28.
Note to editors:
Across the Capital, the Brigade is hoping to set up many other partnerships like this latest example in Croydon. This year firefighters hope to visit over 40,000 Londoners and through partnership schemes a further 67,000 more visits could be achieved.
London Fire Brigade is offering all Londoners a free home fire safety visit. The Brigade visit homes, chat about fire risks and fit free smoke alarms if they are needed.
Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:
telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk
