A new information booklet has been produced to raise awareness of important fire safety issues in the Isle of Man.
 
Officially launched yesterday (Thursday, September 6) by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, the publication is packed with practical advice, tips and reminders.
 
It focuses on many of the common causes of emergency call-outs in the Island and highlights the steps people should take to reduce the risk of household fires.
 
‘Fire Safety in the Home’, which has been sponsored by Tower Insurance, will be distributed through local fire stations, to members of the public who request a free home safety visit and via the Community Safety Team.
 
Copies will be available at Age Isle of Man centres and other organisations which represent more vulnerable members of the community. It will also be included as part of the information packs handed to new mums leaving the Jane Crookall maternity ward at Noble’s Hospital.
 
Chief Fire Officer Brian Draper said: ‘Fire prevention is a top priority and the new booklets will assist our efforts to improve fire safety in the Island. The Community Safety Team is very proactive in terms of its education programmes and promotes a range of initiatives to encourage good practice in the home. We are here to help safeguard the Manx public and these booklets are a great way to remind people of some basic fire safety information which could potentially save their lives.’
 
Sub Officer Peter Killey of the Community Safety Team added: ‘Fires in the home can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, and even end in tragedy, so we are always looking for new ways to reinforce our safety messages. This booklet covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of having working smoke alarms and proper escape plans, through to helpful advice if somebody suspects their child has a fascination with fire. We are very grateful to Tower Insurance for supporting this initiative and hope as many people as possible will pick up a copy and take on board the contents.’
 
The guide is specific to the IoM Fire and Rescue Service and deals with issues that are particularly relevant to the local community, such as combating kitchen fires which account for approximately 50% of all fire-related incidents in the Island.
 
Other pages emphasise the dangers posed by faulty electrics, poor wiring and the overloading of sockets, and there is a section listing local contact numbers, email addresses and websites for anybody seeking further assistance.
 
There is also an invitation from the Chief Fire Officer for residents to book a free home safety visit, where trained firefighters will visit a property to offer practical advice and fit a free smoke detector where appropriate.
 
Peter Gallagher, Managing Director of Tower Insurance, said: ‘Fire safety is an issue that should be uppermost in all our minds and this latest initiative will support the many other community education programmes currently taking place. Our company is delighted to work with the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service and if this guide helps to prevent just one household emergency then it will be very worthwhile indeed.’
 
People can obtain a copy of ‘Fire Safety in the Home’ from their local fire station or by contacting the Community Fire Safety Team on 647303 or email iomfire@gov.im.