Enfield Council's Library and Museum Service are currently working in partnership with the London Fire Brigade to help more vulnerable members of the community get a free fire safety check and fire alarm.
All residents who currently receive a visit from the Home Library Service will be offered a referral to the fire brigade for a home visit to check the safety of their home, and a free fire alarm to be installed.
The Fire brigade have advised that in London:
- You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you don't have a smoke alarm that works;
- 18 people die each year because the battery in their smoke alarm had gone flat or was missing;
- Over half of home fires are caused by cooking;
- Three fires a day are started by candles;
- Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette;
- Faulty electric appliances, wiring, and overloaded sockets cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year.
Cllr Bambos Charalambous, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said "The London Fire Brigade, working with Enfield Council are targeting those people who use the Home Library Service as they could be especially at risk of fires as they tend to be more vulnerable.
"People who have problems with mobility, or who are perhaps older or who live alone might be more at risk of suffering should a fire break out in their home. I am delighted that we can work with the London Fire Brigade to help these people be as safe as they possibly can by offering home visits and a free smoke alarm."
If you want advice about how to stay safe in your home, or to receive a free smoke alarm call 08000 28 44 28 or email smokealarm@london-fire.gov.uk