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Press release

“Safer Together” National Fire Safety Week campaign asks people to look out for vulnerable neighbours

  • campaign reminds people to ensure their own homes are safe from fire but also to check in on more vulnerable members of our society
  • expanded Community Fire Alarm Scheme sees additional €100,000 invested in free smoke alarms adapted to the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • emphasises fire safety advice: have a working smoke alarm on each level of the home, check it regularly, remove obvious dangers and have an escape plan for your home

The annual Fire Safety Week campaign launched this morning in Lisburn, Co. Antrim asking people to check in on vulnerable neighbours, while continuing to remind people of the need to take fire safety precautions in their own homes. Alongside the campaign launch, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has also announced an additional €100,000 this year for the provision of specially-adapted smoke alarms for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, to be distributed via local Fire Authorities.

National Fire Safety Week, 9-15 October focuses on enhancing fire safety, particularly in the home.

The latest data released by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) in the Republic of Ireland reveals that smoking materials were the most common cause of fatality in Ireland in 2022 and over 60% of fire fatalities were among those aged 65 and over. The incidence of serious house fires is much higher for older people living alone.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said:

“Local communities play an important role in fire prevention and this year we’re asking people to check in with vulnerable neighbours, family and friends in their communities. A working smoke alarm is the first line of defence should a fire break out and this year we’ve invested an additional €100,000 to provide specially adapted smoke alarms for more vulnerable members of our society. These will be available for free through the expanded Community Smoke Alarm Scheme from local Fire Authorities who are doing ongoing work with community groups to prevent fire in the home. Alongside that initiative, in our advertising campaign we’re asking individual people to help with that effort by calling in on vulnerable neighbours and checking that they have a working smoke alarm.”

Speaking at the launch, Keith Leonard, Director NDFEM added:

“Enhancing engagement with citizens is at the forefront of our public services at both local and national level. Fire Authorities work with many community organisations and would welcome involvement from other groups representing vulnerable members of society to reduce incidences of fire. We encourage organisations working with at risk groups to reach out to their local fire service and explore ways to work together to prevent fire.”

Aidan Jennings, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, NIFRS explains:

“Our partner agencies and caring professionals are the ’eyes and ears’ for us in the community. They work incredibly hard and play an invaluable part in helping NIFRS keep those most at risk in our community safe from fire.

"This Fire Safety Week we are reconnecting with all our partners to explore what additional support we can offer them to help be fire aware. We are also asking others who work closely with those most at risk in our community to consider becoming one of our partners.”

Recent CSO Census Data showed that over 70,000 homes in Ireland are still without a working smoke alarm. As with previous Fire Safety campaigns the directorate are emphasising the need for WORKING smoke alarms at least in every level of your home and to test it regularly, keeping your home clear of fire hazards.

National Fire Safety Week 2023 is jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services (NIFRS) and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM). The 2023 campaign will run across radio, TV and social media platforms. National Fire Safety Week marks the beginning of an intensive media advertising campaign that will run through the higher risk period of fire fatality from October 2023 through to Spring 2024.

Notes

National Fire Safety Week (9-15 October) is run jointly with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and is about enhancing fire safety in the home. The theme chosen for this year is “Safer Together”.

National Fire Safety Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 8, 1871. The former American President, Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week in 1925 in memory of those who perished in that Fire. Since then, in early October, it has been observed each year in countries around the world. 148 years on from the Great Chicago Fire, the message regarding fire prevention and fire safety is as relevant today as ever it was.

The key messages, to be communicated, are:

  • working smoke alarm – to fully protect your home fit a smoke alarm in every room, except the bathroom and the garage
  • if you are deaf or hard of hearing, ensure that you have an appropriately adapted smoke alarm
  • ensure that you can hear your smoke alarm in the bedroom with you doors closed
  • never borrow batteries from your smoke alarm!
  • the incidence of serious house fires is much higher for older people living alone
  • make an escape plan for your home and practise regular fire drills with everyone who lives with you
  • keep your escape route clear day and night
  • smoke alarms should be tested regularly; we recommend once a week – “Test it Tuesday!”
  • every smoke alarm has an expiry date, they last only ten years – check the date and replace the whole unit
  • there are still homes with no smoke alarms
  • “close (all doors) before you doze” - Most people who die in fires die from smoke inhalation and not from burns, it can take as little as 3 minutes to die from smoke inhalation
  • a routine fire safety check only takes a few minutes but could mean the difference between life and death
  • safer together - Please check in with neighbours, family members and friends who are more at risk from fire and make sure they are doing all they can to stay safe during this time
  • if you think they could benefit from one of our free Home Fire Safety Checks (offered also in ROI), please refer them to us
  • we know that many people are under a lot pressure at the minute as the cost of living increases, and that many households are changing their behaviour to deal with rising heating costs
  • if you’re planning to use a chimney you haven’t used in a while make sure a suitably trained person services it before you use it
  • blow out candles before leaving a room and never burn them near anything that could catch fire
  • make sure portable electric heaters and electric blankets are in good working order
  • if you’re using a portable heater always turn it off while sleeping. Keep it away from furniture, bedding or curtains

The TV and radio advertisement campaign for Fire Safety Week is the beginning of an intensive media advertising campaign, which will run throughout the winter months until spring.

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