Tuesday 15 December
09.00hrs
Residents at a Bristol sheltered housing development will be
served Christmas lunch by Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s
(AF&RS) Chief Officer today as part of a campaign to promote
the winter fire safety message.
Chief Fire Officer, Kevin Pearson, will be joined by Assistant
Chief Fire Officer, John Dando, as they wait on residents of
Perrett House during their festive meal. The visit by AF&RS’s
senior officers has been organised as part of the service’s
seasonal campaign to encourage people to ‘Keep Warm, Keep
Safe’.
Perrett House is an almshouse run by Bristol Charities that
provides 30 self contained flats for older people. Up to 40
residents are expected to attend tomorrow’s lunch when the senior
officers, along with community safety staff from AF&RS will
take the opportunity to discuss seasonal fire safety.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Dando said: “During the winter
months we tend to spend more time in our homes, using a range of
heating methods to keep warm. If used correctly most pose no
danger, but during the colder weeks we tend to see a rise in the
number of house fires our crews are called to that involve things
like electric heaters, open fires and electric blankets.”
“Through our Keep Warm, Keep Safe campaign we’re focusing on
groups such as older people, those with long term illnesses or
families with young children as statistically, they are at greater
risk.
“By taking extra precautions, like remembering to unplug
electric heaters when you’re not in the room or keeping them well
away from curtains and furniture, you can seriously reduce the risk
of having a devastating fire in the home.”
David Jones, Chief Executive of Bristol Charities said: “We were
delighted when AF&RS offered to assist at tomorrow’s lunch.
This will prove an ideal opportunity for residents to both enjoy
themselves and to receive some important advice on a topic which is
often not given sufficient attention.”
During the run up to Christmas AF&RS is running an online
advent calendar on its website with more information on winter
safety. For more details visit www.avonfire.gov.uk or call 0117
926 2061.
Ends