Is your house prepared for an emergency?

Phil Greenwood from the Fire and Rescue Service fits a smoke alarm

Residents across the borough are being urged to make sure they have a working smoke alarm and that they have a plan for how to get out of the house in the event of a fire.

Rochdale Borough Council and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have teamed up to offer free home fire risk assessments – and free smoke alarms for properties that don’t already have one.

Last year they visited more than three thousand homes across the borough, providing information and advice about fire safety.

The scheme is run in conjunction with the council’s ‘handyperson scheme’ so the people visiting the house can in some cases also help with other practical jobs that need doing while they are there.

Councillor Ted Flynn, cabinet member for community safety on Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Far too often people are killed or injured in house fires so it’s vital that you’re quickly alerted to a fire in the home and that you have a plan in place so that everyone can get out safely. Please take advantage of this free offer – it could save your life.”

To book a free home fire risk assessment visit:

www.manchesterfire.gov.uk

Tel: 01706 926671