Fire prevention survey to help promote home safety

The island's fire service is encouraging residents to use an online fire safety assessor

The extension of an online fire safety survey to the Isle of Man will "undoubtedly" save lives, the chief fire officer has said.

Mark Christian said having access to the platform would help the service to protect the most vulnerable residents.

They system allows users to input information about their property to receive tailored advice on how to improve safety.

Mr Christian said it would play a key role in making the Isle of Man the "safest small island community".

'Save lives'

A joint initiative between the National Fire Chiefs Council, Fire Kills and Safelincs, the tool can be used by homeowners, social workers, family members or carers.

After information about the the type of property, number of floors, heating systems, occupants and their health conditions, and any previous fires is submitted, the system provides advice on improving safety or invites residents to get additional assistance from the fire service.

Those signing up can also choose to share details about the property and its occupants with the fire service.

Mr Christian said that with the crews being called to 44 house and flat fires in the past year, the online system would "reduce risk and potentially save lives from day one".

The online platform is being promoted by the fire service's Fire Prevention and Protection Department, which has been rebranded from the Fire Safety Department.

Mr Christian said that by "rejigging" resources and using technology, the service was better placed to become "much more prevention focussed", while retaining response teams to deal with incidents.

Leading firefighter Richard Little, who is part of the prevention team, said he would be meeting with charities and organisations to discuss using the system to help vulnerable people.

"It could save a lot of lives or at very least it could just reassure people that what they're doing is right," he added.