|
Tuesday 27th January 2004 |
32/2004 |
 |
| Jonathan Nicholls of Aspull Electrics fits the new smoke alarm for Doris Dean of Higher Folds, as Wigan & Leigh Housing Chief Executive Peter Gee, Fire Service Assistant Area Commander John Lockart and Cllr Fred Walker look on. |
Fire safety is being stepped up in the two most vulnerable parts of Wigan borough.
Wigan & Leigh Housing and Greater Manchester Fire Service are introducing ‘mains-linked’ smoke detectors to council homes in Worsley Mesnes (North), Wigan and Higher Folds, Leigh — two areas with the highest rates of fires per property in the borough.
Smoke detectors are fitted in all council properties, but relatively few are actually ‘mains-linked’. Unlike battery operated alarms, ‘mains-linked’ smoke detectors give long lasting protection, are difficult to switch off and have battery back up in case of power failure. According to Greater Manchester Fire Service, smoke alarms were working in only 20% of council properties where accidental fires occurred, usually because batteries were either missing or flat.
Local firm Aspull Electrical Services began the work on Monday 5th January and expect to complete both areas by the end of March. To complement the smoke alarm upgrade, the Fire Service will work with the local tenants and residents associations and local schools in both areas to raise awareness of fire safety in the home.
Bedford/Astley ward councillor and Wigan & Leigh Housing Board member Fred Walker, who is also chair of the local Fire Authority says:
“We want to prevent domestic fires happening in the first place, but where they do occur it is vital that the occupants have the best possible chance of escaping. Installing mains powered smoke alarms will improve the chances of that happening and all council properties will eventually receive mains powered smoke alarms as part of the new re-wiring programme.”
Assistant County Fire Officer for Fire Safety, John Judd adds:
“Smoke alarm ownership is on the increase, yet firefighters still find themselves attending incidents where occupiers have removed their smoke alarm battery for use elsewhere. Of the house fires in the Wigan Met area in the last year, 72% did not have a working smoke alarm fitted. With mains powered smoke alarms fitted householders can sleep easier at night.”