Joining forces to protect vulnerable from fires (From Barry And District News)

Joining forces to protect vulnerable from fires

BARRY'S most vulnerable people are being protected from the risk of house fires - a risk which increases in winter.

The Vale of Glamorgan division of South Wales Police and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces in an effort to encourage the elderly and other at-risk residents of Barry to stay safe from fire this winter.

Community Police Support Officers (CPSOs), who routinely visit the homes of vulnerable people in Castleland, Barry, as part of their day-to-day work, are now able to refer the people they deem most at risk from fire for a free Home Fire Safety Risk Assessment.

Barry fire crews will then arrange to visit the identified homes to carry out a thorough assessment of the house and its surroundings and offer advice on how residents can reduce the risk of fire.

Firefighters will also fit smoke alarms in the property - free of charge - if necessary.

Community fire safety advisor Russell Phillips said: "The CPSOs are a high-profile resource within the local community and are in an ideal position to identify vulnerable people to us, such as the elderly, single-parent families and adults with a disability.

"Statistics show that these vulnerable groups are more at risk of house fires, so we are pleased to have them on board, to assist us in our ongoing community fire safety work, particularly during the winter months, when the increased use of heaters and cooking appliances increases the risk of fire.

"Individuals don't just have to be referred to us. If you know of anyone at a high risk of fire, or feel that you are at risk yourself, you can request a visit from your local firefighters by calling our free phone number, 0800 3281830."