Smoke alarms for new mums (From Barry And District News)

Smoke alarms for new mums

FIRE CREWS across the Vale have teamed up with Cardiff and Vale NHS Trusts Community Midwives in a bid to cut the number of deaths and injuries involving fire.

New mums will have the opportunity to have new smoke alarms fitted in their homes to reduce the risk of fire related accidents.

Station Commander Fraser Ingram said: "With the permission of the parents the crews will go around and fit a smoke alarm if they are required in the house then they will carry out a fire safety risk assessment and give free fire safety advice.

"What we're aiming for is one hundred percent ownership of smoke alarms."

Midwives who visit mums-to-be will find out if the home is fitted with a smoke alarm.

If the home is not fitted with one then the parent has the option to have a visit from the Fire Service who will carry out a fire risk assessment.

This latest partnership comes after a number of initiatives set-up by the Fire Service to help prevent injury and death by fire and promote fire safety advice.

Delyth Bebb is Community Midwifery Manager for Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust:

"We were approached by the Fire Service to see if we were interested in making a contribution.

"This is a very important part of fire safety and when we visit the mums in the home we are in a prime spot to be able to look at some of their needs and any safety issues."

Mr Ingram added: "It's a partnership between ourselves and the Vale Community Midwives.

We're looking as part of our Community Fire Safety Initiative to protect the vulnerable or anyone at risk."

Divisional Officer Kevin Barry said: "We are wholly committed to the prevention of deaths and injuries through fire and are always looking for new initiatives that will help tackle this serious problem."