PR 6720
22 January 2008

Be safe in 2008 plea from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

It’s that time of year when we've all been making promises we hope will improve our lives - joining the gym, giving up smoking or starting that diet.

But this year Norfolk County Council's Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to add one extra pledge to their list of New Year’s resolutions, and stick to it - think safe in 2008.

There are a number of very simple things we can do as individuals or businesses to make sure we stay safe this year.

Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and that you check them regularly
* Check where you store your rubbish, either at home or at work and don't allow rubbish (especially combustibles like paper) to accumulate inside or near to a building
* At work make sure you don't create a fire hazard by storing rubbish in stairwells/access area or block fire exits
* Check you have an escape plan at home and that your family members are aware of what to do in the event of a fire
* Do not overload sockets - use one plug in each socket; and check for signs of loose wiring and faulty plugs or sockets
* Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette - make sure you put it out - right out. (Cigarettes can burn at temperatures of over 700c)

Doug Underwood, Community Fire Safety Team Manager, said: “Too many of us think we are safe in our own home or that things won't happen to us. My advice is don’t wait until later. If you spot a problem please put it right. Our lives depend on us making the right decision at the right time - and the right time when it comes to safety is always now. We all need to have a good check and make our contribution to making 2008 a safe year.”

Richard Rockcliffe, Cabinet Member for Fire and Community Protection, said: "The start of the New Year is always a good time to think afresh and nothing can be more important than making sure you and your family stay safe. This also applies to businesses and organisations large and small. Although it may not be an obvious choice for a resolution, or seem quite as challenging or exciting as some, I would urge people follow the advice of our fire and rescue service and add an extra promise to the list this year - take a look at your fire safety arrangements.

"As well as urging people to get and maintain smoke alarms the service is asking us to look at our general housekeeping. By stacking waste paper in stairwells or storing waste bins next to buildings we may be creating a fire hazard that could be easily avoided."

If you require further information, or have another community safety enquiry please have a lookt round this website,  contact  us or use the Community Safety Advice line; 0800 9178137.