Fireman Mike

 

Last week I was paid a visit by the local Fireman! My Social Worker contacted Hayling Island Fire Service and told them of my existence, apparently I am a vulnerable person (although when it comes to the vaccine I am not seen as a vulnerable person). I have to say it is really reassuring to know that in the event of a fire the local fire brigade are fully aware of my existence and will automatically send out an additional fire truck due to my lack of mobility.

Fireman Mike

 gave a full assessment of our flat, checking where our exit points were and once he had done that he reviewed our smoke detectors ensuring they were fully functional. I knew they were as the whole flat was re wired prior to us moving in, our smoke detectors are wired in to the mains and not battery operated. He explained the importance of them being tested weekly, I did have to laugh because a) it needs to be done by our landlord unless we can gain agreement that we can do it – we shouldn’t have to much of a problem bearing in mind the landlord’s are my sister and brother in law. 


He was also concerned that I should have the independence to test the fire alarm from my chair myself and that hubby could test the alarm himself without climbing on a step ladder so he produced the following aid!

 

 

He then checked for a carbon monoxide alarm fortunately when the lady from assisted technology visited us a few weeks prior she provided us with one.

 

Our check was complete and fireman Mike gave us the all clear. Before he went he said to me please let any of your MS friends know they can self refer to their county fire brigade who will then put them in touch with their local fire station who will come out and do a fire assessment. Smoke alarms can be provided free of charge and installed by your local fireman or woman.

 He gave us some bedtime reading and then left.

I was so impressed by the service provided and he did point out to me that fire safety is a huge thing and that the fire brigade want to make sure all households have the necessary equipment and therefore reduce the risk of fire.

So please ladies and gentlemen if you don’t have smoke alarms please get them, carbon monoxide really is a silent killer either purchase the alarms or speak to your social worker, here endeth the first lesson!