Don’t let your home go up in flames...that's the message being put out to smokers by Hastings firefighters.
They’ve teamed up with the local NHS to launch their Stop Smoking Campaign together at Robsack Children’s Centre, in Hastings, on 16th June at 12.30pm. Staff from both the fire service, and the NHS will be there, along with Councillor Scott from the Fire Authority.
They will also be assisted by a life-sized cigarette to help deliver the important message that many fires in the home are caused by cigarettes and matches.
Together Hastings firefighters and the NHS will unite to deliver their “stop smoking” message. This dual approach will by relayed by firefighters who carry out home safety visits in the houses of those who smoke.
Mark Webb, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Borough Commander for Hastings said, “ We know that people who smoke are at increased risk of experiencing an accidental fire in their home. This partnership approach will reduce that risk through the provision of safety advice and smoke alarms and may even eliminate the risk altogether by helping people to stop smoking.”
And in return, the NHS will pass on East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Home Safety Visit referral details to those smokers trying to kick the habit.
East Sussex Community Health Service’s Peter Aston, Health Development Manager, said:
“There are many good reasons to quit smoking and keep your home smoke-free, including improved health for you, your partner and your children, and a cleaner, fresher place to live. However, as smoking materials are one of the main causes of house fires, keeping your home smoke-free could save your life in another way and that’s why we’re supporting East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s Home Safety Scheme.”
If you would like firefighters to carry out a Home Safety Visit in your home please call 0800 177 7069.
The telephone no. for the Stop Smoking Service is: 0800 917 8896.
