​Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) has expanded its current home fire safety checks to offer further safety advice to islanders in their homes.

Called Safe & Well, the initiative will see that when Fire Safety officers visit Islanders to conduct a home fire safety check, they will also assess other safety concerns such as slips, trips, and falls, winter warmth (when relevant) and areas such as potential loneliness and isolation.

The idea behind the initiative is to help reduce the number of accidents and injuries in the home and subsequent visits to the hospital, as well as reducing the number of emergency calls to the Ambulance Service, Police and Fire & Rescue Service.

JFRS have partnered with agencies such as the British Red Cross, Eye Can and the cardiology department, to develop the guidance and signs to look out for. If Fire officers see anything of concern, they can either provide some advice immediately, or refer them to one of the partner agencies for help.

Fire Officer Mark Bailey-Walker said “We’re delighted to be expanding our current home fire safety check service to include a wider safety assessment, particularly for the more vulnerable members of our community, such as the elderly and sight impaired. The aim is to provide a person-centred safety visit that focuses on the individuals’ needs”.

Marketing Manager from Island Insurance, Gary Kelly said: “Islands have been supporting Jersey Fire and Rescue to deliver their prevention initiatives for several years now, so we are delighted to be involved with the Safe and Well initiative.

“This service is not only designed to help islanders stay safe in their homes, but also to help them recognise potential health concerns that could severely impact their lives, such as sight loss, mental wellbeing, and cardiac concerns linked to stroke”.