NIFRS introduces new fire safety tool for homes in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a new online Home Fire Safety Check tool to coincide with Fire Safety Week, running from 30 September to 6 October.

As reported by NIFRS, the online tool is designed to help residents identify fire risks in their homes and provide personalised safety advice.

The tool allows users to conduct a self-assessment by answering questions about each room in their house, after which they receive a tailored fire action plan.

This new initiative is part of a wider partnership between the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Safelincs.

It is being rolled out across all Fire & Rescue Services in the UK, aiming to raise awareness of fire hazards and promote preventive measures.

Importance of fire safety in homes

Last year, NIFRS responded to 728 house fires, with cooking and electrical issues identified as the leading causes.

Group Commander Paul Morrow of NIFRS said: “We are pleased to offer a new home fire safety tool for the community.

“The online Home Fire Safety Check is a valuable resource to identify and reduce potential fire risks in the home.”

Morrow also encouraged households to complete the assessment and to help others who may not have access to the internet.

He added: “House fires can be devastating. Even if you don’t think you’re at risk, taking the time to complete the assessment can help save lives and reduce the risk of a fire.”

In-person fire safety checks for high-risk households

As part of the initiative, households identified as high-risk through the online tool will be referred for an in-person Home Fire Safety Check.

NIFRS personnel will visit these homes to provide further practical advice on fire safety.

Morrow highlighted the importance of this service, especially for vulnerable groups: “If at the end of the assessment the household has been identified as high risk, they will be referred for an in-person Home Fire Safety Check where NIFRS personnel will visit the home to give further practical advice on fire safety.”

Fire safety collaboration with the Republic of Ireland

Fire Safety Week is a joint effort between NIFRS and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Republic of Ireland.

This cross-border collaboration is aimed at promoting fire safety in homes and preventing fire-related incidents.

Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in Ireland, spoke at the launch event: “We must be always alert if we are to eliminate potential hazards that could cause fire.

“Being vigilant, keeping mindful of fire safety and practising good fire safety habits is essential.”

The campaign encourages residents to conduct routine safety checks and ensure that working smoke alarms are installed on every level of their homes.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service introduces online home fire safety check tool for Fire Safety Week: Summary

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched an online Home Fire Safety Check tool to promote fire safety during Fire Safety Week (30 September to 6 October).

This tool allows residents to assess potential fire hazards in their homes and provides personalised fire safety plans.

The initiative is part of a UK-wide partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Safelincs.

Households identified as high risk will be offered in-person fire safety checks by NIFRS personnel.

The campaign is a collaborative effort with the Republic of Ireland’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management aimed at preventing home fires and promoting fire safety awareness.