NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th.

The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland. Last year, NIFRS responded to 728 house fires, with cooking and electrical issues being the primary causes.

The online tool is a simple self-assessment that involves answering a series of questions about each room in the home. Upon completion, users will receive a personalised fire action plan highlighting potential fire hazards and providing safety tips to minimise the risk.

Developed in partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Safelincs, the Home Fire Safety Check is available to all fire and rescue services across the United Kingdom.

Fire Safety Week is a joint effort between NIFRS and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Republic of Ireland to promote fire safety awareness and prevent fires in homes.

NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: "We are pleased to offer a new home fire safety tool for the community. The online Home Fire Safety Check is a valuable resource to identify and reduce potential fire risks in the home. "This Fire Safety Week we're encouraging all households to complete the assessment not only for themselves but with someone they're concerned about, especially those who may not have access to the internet.

"If at the end of the assessment the household has been identified as high risk, they will be referred for an in-person Home Fire Safety Check where NIFRS personnel will visit the home to give further practical advice on fire safety.

"House fires can be devastating. Even if you don't think you're at risk, taking the time to complete the assessment can help save lives and reduce the risk of a fire. There is real value in understanding the causes of fire inside your home, such as smoking, cooking and electrics.

"It's also important to have a clear fire escape plan and conducting your own home safety checks, such as testing smoke alarms and unplugging sockets, as part of your bedtime routine to keep you and your loved ones safe."

At the launch of Fire Safety Week hosted by Kildare Fire & Rescue, Keith Leonard, Director National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, Ireland added: "We must be always alert if we are to eliminate potential hazards that could cause fire. Being vigilant, keeping mindful of fire safety and practising good fire safety habits is essential. We encourage people to follow fire safety advice, do a routine fire safety check at night and have a working smoke alarm on every level of their home."

To start an online Home Fire Safety Check, please visit www.nifrs.org.