We have joined forces with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) and Apetito, the food contractors, to provide fire safety advice to our Meals on Wheels clients. So far 100 people have been visited and in total 150 smoke alarms have been fitted.
The Meals on Wheels service provides an ideal opportunity to use the network to provide essential safety information to the elderly and others with physical or learning disabilities or mental health needs, who regularly get hot meals delivered to their homes. The joint visits with the Fire Service began in May and so far have been offered to over 800 residents. All new customers will be offered similar visits in the future.
Cllr Bill Bentley, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: "I am delighted that a successful partnership has been created to deliver this important advice and support service in East Sussex. The opportunity of building on our excellent Meals on Wheels service to ensure that vulnerable residents can live comfortably and safely in their own home is an excellent idea and the fire safety menu serves up a tasty selection that might just save a life.”
Steve Wright, ESFRS Station Manager, Community Safety Team, said: “We are delighted that East Sussex County Council and Apetito are working in partnership with us to help achieve a safer community. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning of a fire, allowing the occupier to escape safely and raise the alarm”.
The attached photograph shows Mrs Doris Needham, 95, from Seaford, East Sussex, getting advice from John Figgins, the Council's Food Advisory Officer and Fire Officer Angela Wood, ESFRS Community Safety Team.
For more information on the ESFRS Community Safety Team contact them on 0800 177 7069.
Reference:
2839
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East Sussex County Council