Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service partners with Aster Group to promote home safety

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has partnered with local housing association Aster Group to offer free Safe and Well visits in the homes of its Connected Living customers and Aster Group customers across Dorset and Wiltshire.

During the visit the fire service will test customers’ smoke alarms, discuss their escape plan in the event of a fire and provide advice about home fire safety. DWFRS works hard to protect local communities, often working with partners to reduce the risk of fire wherever possible. Every agency has its own specialism and, by combining forces, can deliver a joined-up and much more effective response to communities.

Andy Woods, Safe and Well team leader at DWFRS, said: “Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has 50 fire stations serving our local communities, and operational crews are available to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day.

“However, it’s not just about providing a 24/7 emergency response. A great deal of focus and resources goes into prevention activities; aiming to reduce the risk of incidents happening in the first place and working closely with partners to assist the most vulnerable in our society.

“As part of the visit, advisors can supply and fit free smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms, if required. Bespoke advice and support are provided in the home to help reduce fire risks, but we also refer occupiers to other agencies to provide further help and assistance as needed.”

Connected Living, a technology enabled care service available from housing association Aster Group, supports people to continue to live confidently at home and out and about with its range of technology. The technology they provide is monitored 24 hours a day and include a variety of equipment aids, including monitored smoke detectors, emergency call pendants and fall detectors to name a few. Many Connected Living customers rely on their monitored detectors to raise an automatic alarm for help in an emergency.

Regional director in Wiltshire and Hampshire for Aster Group, Sarah Durrans, said: “We’re pleased to be working with DWFRS to enable us to deliver additional services to our customers. This partnership allows us to further demonstrate how, by working together, we can enable people to live safely and independently at home for as long as possible.”

To find out more about Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, please visit: www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/ or call 0800 038 2323.

To find out more information about Connected Living, please call 0333 400 8299 or visit the website: www.aster.co.uk/connected-living. Connected Living is accredited and audited to a high standard by the Telecare Services Association.