Blaze campaign launched
Published 4 Apr 2011 09:30
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AWARENESS: Station commander Graeme Binning, community alarm assistant Eleanor Docherty, Robert Mackie and daughter June McIntosh
A BRAND new safety iniative aimed at saving lives was launched at Barrhead Fire Station last week.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has teamed up with East Renfrewshire Council's Community Health Care Partnership (CHCP) to highlight to residents that those who use telecare can get an integrated smoke detector fitted in their home.
The alarm will be linked to East Renfrewshire Council's 24 hour community safety monitoring centre, Safety Net.
This new partnership between the CHCP and the fire service means East Renfrewshire is the first place in Scotland to link up with the fire service to jointly fund and install linked smoke alarms in the homes of vulnerable people.
Installing integrated smoke detectors will ensure fire accidents are detected at the earliest possible moment.
The special detector raises an alarm at Safety Net where trained operators then organise a personal response to be sent to the property within minutes.
In addition it would also sound a normal audible alarm.
Around 350 residents in Barrhead and Neilston are currently being aided to live independently in their own homes with help from specialist technology known as 'telecare'.
The equipment includes community alarms - which can summon help at the touch of a button - sensors that monitor whether a person has got out of bed or left the house, and medication dispensers that give an audio and visual reminder each time medicine should be taken.
Equipment can sense risks such as smoke, flood, gas leaks or falls, and can warn an individual by sounding an alarm, flashing light or vibrations.
A discreet sensor will alert a carer or send an alert to Safety Net who will take appropriate action, whether it be contacting a family member, neighbour, doctor or emergency services.
The operator can also arrange for a mobile response carer to visit if help is needed.
Barrhead fire station manager Graeme Binning said: "The telecare initiative reflects Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's drive to improve safety for the most vulnerable people in our communities."
Residents interested in telecare can contact the council's Customer First on 0141 577 3001 or email customerfirst@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.
This article appeared in Barrhead News 30 Mar 11
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