NIFRS marks Disability Fire Awareness Week with new Partnership

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is marking Disability Fire Awareness Week with the announcement that it is working in partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Sensory Support Services.

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Sensory Support Services offer advice and guidance to individuals who have a sight or hearing loss. 

NIFRS Group Commander Community Development Geoff Somerville said: “Whilst fire safety is an important issue that everyone needs to be aware of, we can’t ignore the fact that there are people who because of their circumstances are at higher risk. Working alongside partners such as Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Sensory Support Services enables us to identify and target our prevention and protection work to people most at risk of fire.

“We follow up on referrals with our free Home Fire Safety Checks.  Our Firefighters visit people in their homes to fit or check that smoke alarms are working, provide practical fire safety advice and help them develop a fire escape plan.”

The Team Leader for Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Sensory Support Service Aidan Best said: “Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has carried out 6 home fire safety checks following referrals from Belfast Trust Sensory Support, since the partnership agreement between both agencies was announced. This is a very encouraging start and has enhanced working relations between both organisations to help protect our service users from the dangers associated with fire.

“Belfast Trust Sensory Support works closely with NIFRS to support vulnerable individuals who require assistance with installing smoke alarms and other specialist fire safety equipment at home. The partnership agreement benefits our service users with improved communication when making referrals and solidifies the excellent work already in place between ourselves and NIFRS to help those identified at being at risk of fire.”

Group Commander Somerville added, “During Disability Fire Awareness Week (22-28 August), we will be engaging with the local disability sector to encourage other organisations to work with us to help reduce the number of accidental fires occurring at home.

“By signing a partnership agreement with NIFRS, individuals are identified and referred through for proactive fire safety advice and guidance - this approach ultimately save lives and protects communities.”

To find out how to become a partner agency with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, please contact [email protected] or 02892 664 221