07/10/2010
Ireland-wide Fire Safety Week Underway
Ireland is 'going to blazes' as National Fire Safety Week takes place this week.
Michael Finneran, Minister of State at the Irish Republic's Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, launched it in Dublin Fire Brigade's Training Centre in the O'Brien Institute, Marino,
He said that National Fire Safety Week, 4th - 11th October, is being jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and is about enhancing fire safety, particularly in the home.
The Dáil Minister referred to this year's National Fire Safety Week theme 'Smoke alarms and escape plans save lives' and said "having smoke alarms fitted is not enough, they must also be in good working order. It is vital also that you and your family know what to do if a smoke alarm activates".
"Unfortunately, on average 46 people die in Ireland each year as a result of fire. House fires account for the vast majority of fire fatalities," the Minister continued.
"Both the very young and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and these groups account for almost half of the domestic fatalities. In most of these incidents, a level of fire safety education and awareness could have prevented the loss of life in a fire or limited the damage," the Minister added and also asked family members, relatives and friends of the elderly to be mindful of the dangers of open fires if they are used this winter.
He said that, while National Fire Safety Week marks the beginning of an intensive media advertising campaign to run until Christmas, the Minister stated that it was imperative that "public awareness of the dangers of fire be maintained throughout the year".
He said that new television and radio advertisements focussing on the importance of escape plans were launched today and will appear in the media in the coming weeks.
Minister Finneran thanked the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for attending the event and for their continued participation.
Acknowledging their valuable input, Minister Finneran stated: "Improving fire safety is a crucially important element of the work of the fire service and I would like to thank senior fire officers, North and South, and their brigades for increasing their prevention activities this week to heighten fire safety awareness in our communities."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Michael Finneran, Minister of State at the Irish Republic's Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, launched it in Dublin Fire Brigade's Training Centre in the O'Brien Institute, Marino,
He said that National Fire Safety Week, 4th - 11th October, is being jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and is about enhancing fire safety, particularly in the home.
The Dáil Minister referred to this year's National Fire Safety Week theme 'Smoke alarms and escape plans save lives' and said "having smoke alarms fitted is not enough, they must also be in good working order. It is vital also that you and your family know what to do if a smoke alarm activates".
"Unfortunately, on average 46 people die in Ireland each year as a result of fire. House fires account for the vast majority of fire fatalities," the Minister continued.
"Both the very young and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and these groups account for almost half of the domestic fatalities. In most of these incidents, a level of fire safety education and awareness could have prevented the loss of life in a fire or limited the damage," the Minister added and also asked family members, relatives and friends of the elderly to be mindful of the dangers of open fires if they are used this winter.
He said that, while National Fire Safety Week marks the beginning of an intensive media advertising campaign to run until Christmas, the Minister stated that it was imperative that "public awareness of the dangers of fire be maintained throughout the year".
He said that new television and radio advertisements focussing on the importance of escape plans were launched today and will appear in the media in the coming weeks.
Minister Finneran thanked the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for attending the event and for their continued participation.
Acknowledging their valuable input, Minister Finneran stated: "Improving fire safety is a crucially important element of the work of the fire service and I would like to thank senior fire officers, North and South, and their brigades for increasing their prevention activities this week to heighten fire safety awareness in our communities."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
06 October 2003
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
07 February 2024
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
07 October 2019
Pat Jennings & NIFRS Issue Fire Safety Warning
Legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings has joined the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to send a message regarding the heightened risk of fire for the over 50s. According to the NIRFS, 87% of deaths from accidental house fires in the last four years were people aged 50 and over.
Pat Jennings & NIFRS Issue Fire Safety Warning
Legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings has joined the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to send a message regarding the heightened risk of fire for the over 50s. According to the NIRFS, 87% of deaths from accidental house fires in the last four years were people aged 50 and over.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.