Menu
10/12/2019
NIFRS Issues Winter Safety Advice
The NI Fire and Rescue Service is urging the community to prioritise safety this festive period after six people lost their lives in accidental house fires last year.
Four of those fatalities occurred during the winter months, prompting fire chiefs to remind members of the pubic to mind their safety measures and look out for their neighbours and older members of their family who may be isolated.
A key safety measure is to ensure all homes have a working smoke alarm. Homes should also be checked for fire hazards such as candles, Christmas tree lights, portable heaters and overloaded sockets.
Anyone with concerns about a neighbour or friend's safety can refer them to the NIFRS for a free Home Fire Safety Check.
Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, said: "Also, if you hear a neighbour's smoke alarm going off, don't ignore it- go and check. If there's a fire, or if you can't be sure, ring 999 and ask for NIFRS.
"We want you to enjoy yourself over the coming weeks by following our fire safety advice and ensuring you're prepared for winter. By looking after your own safety, and the safety of those around you, you are not only helping to protect yourself and your loved ones from a range of fire and other emergencies, but you are also helping us as a Fire & Rescue Service. We are all 'Safer Together'."
Fire crews continually respond to a wide range of emergencies and are well-rehearsed in terms of contingency planning for any severe weather emergencies over the next couple of weeks.
The public are also encouraged to think about their own personal preparedness for the challenges that winter weather can bring.
Mr Walmsley added: "Please take extra care while driving as winter weather, combined with the dark evenings and the Christmas rush, heightens the dangers on our roads.
"Happy Christmas and stay safe in 2020."
(JG/CM)
Four of those fatalities occurred during the winter months, prompting fire chiefs to remind members of the pubic to mind their safety measures and look out for their neighbours and older members of their family who may be isolated.
A key safety measure is to ensure all homes have a working smoke alarm. Homes should also be checked for fire hazards such as candles, Christmas tree lights, portable heaters and overloaded sockets.
Anyone with concerns about a neighbour or friend's safety can refer them to the NIFRS for a free Home Fire Safety Check.
Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, said: "Also, if you hear a neighbour's smoke alarm going off, don't ignore it- go and check. If there's a fire, or if you can't be sure, ring 999 and ask for NIFRS.
"We want you to enjoy yourself over the coming weeks by following our fire safety advice and ensuring you're prepared for winter. By looking after your own safety, and the safety of those around you, you are not only helping to protect yourself and your loved ones from a range of fire and other emergencies, but you are also helping us as a Fire & Rescue Service. We are all 'Safer Together'."
Fire crews continually respond to a wide range of emergencies and are well-rehearsed in terms of contingency planning for any severe weather emergencies over the next couple of weeks.
The public are also encouraged to think about their own personal preparedness for the challenges that winter weather can bring.
Mr Walmsley added: "Please take extra care while driving as winter weather, combined with the dark evenings and the Christmas rush, heightens the dangers on our roads.
"Happy Christmas and stay safe in 2020."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
07 October 2019
Pat Jennings & NIFRS Issue Fire Safety Warning
Legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings has joined the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to send a message regarding the heightened risk of fire for the over 50s. According to the NIRFS, 87% of deaths from accidental house fires in the last four years were people aged 50 and over.
Pat Jennings & NIFRS Issue Fire Safety Warning
Legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings has joined the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to send a message regarding the heightened risk of fire for the over 50s. According to the NIRFS, 87% of deaths from accidental house fires in the last four years were people aged 50 and over.
04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
06 October 2003
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
30 January 2023
NIFRS Launch Safety Appeak Amid Rise In Fire Deaths
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a home fire safety appeal following a spike in accidental house fire deaths and incidents. Eight people have tragically lost their lives in house fires since November 2022. There has also been a 14% increase in incidents.
NIFRS Launch Safety Appeak Amid Rise In Fire Deaths
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a home fire safety appeal following a spike in accidental house fire deaths and incidents. Eight people have tragically lost their lives in house fires since November 2022. There has also been a 14% increase in incidents.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
