SAFETY IN THE HOME   HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOME? Let me introduce myself - my name is Vanessa Harvey and I am your local Home Fire Safety Advisor working for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service. I help people in the Dorchester area reduce the risk of fire and stay as safe as possible in their own homes. In 2010, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) attended 468 accidental fires in the home. These could have been avoided if people were more aware of basic fire safety in their homes. Knowing the dangers and taking preventative measures could help save the lives of you and your family. Your home is full of potential fire risks; if you are aware of them you can ensure that you reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home. Fires strike when you least expect them, often during the night. They spread quickly but it is smoke that is the real killer. If you are asleep when a fire starts and you don't have a smoke alarm to wake you, your chances of surviving are zero. They can be purchased for around £5, a small price to pay to save you and your loved ones. Remember your smoke alarm must work to save your life. Dust it every six months, check the battery once a week, change the battery every twelve months (unless it’s a ten year alarm) and change your alarm every ten years. There are also alarms with strobe lighting and vibrating pads for people who are hard of hearing or deaf. As part of our commitment to reduce deaths and injuries caused by accidental fires in the home, DFRS provides free and confidential Home Safety Checks. These involve a DFRS Home Safety Advisor, like myself, visiting homes and ensuring each premises has the correct number of working smoke alarms, fitting or replacing them free of charge if appropriate, carrying out a visual check of appliances for electrical safety, identifying any high risk activities, looking at the position of furniture and equipment, checking for overloaded electrical sockets, discussing practical and safe escape routes and what to do if the worst should happen (none of us are invincible!) simply pointing out any potential risks and offering advice as to how they can be minimised. Each home is different in content and layout so visits are tailored to the person and their own unique circumstances. To request a Free Home Safety Check call 01305 252600 or use the new online form found at http://www.dorsetfire.gov.uk/. Just fill out the form with your name and address details and click ‘submit’. Our new PinPoint technology will analyse whether or not we can make your home safer and you will either receive a FREE Home Safety Check or Home Safety Information Pack, containing a leaflet on safety and a checklist for the home. DFRS are working hard to prevent avoidable fires and you can help us do that – if you would like a free home safety check, contact us. Alternatively, if you know of someone who may be vulnerable and would benefit from a visit, please get their permission and then contact us on their behalf to arrange an appointment. Thank You. The Sky in March Motoring Challenge Diamond Jubilee Safety in the Home Olympic Torch Dorset Countryside News Benefits Surgeries Return to top  Olympic Sailing