Funding for smoke detectors distributed to vulnerable members of the community by the fire service have been supplied by Tower Insurance.

A total of 160 detectors have been bought with support from the Douglas-based company to allow firefighters and the community safety team to protect the homes of people in need of extra support.

The fire service conducts free home safety visits, during which firefighters look at areas of potential risk within the home, provide advice on the maintenance of smoke alarms and devise an escape plan in the event of fire. Information is also provided on kitchen hazards, candles, heaters and electric blankets, and the safe disposal of smoking materials.

Chief fire officer Kevin Groom said: ’A working smoke alarm saves lives by providing an early warning to the occupants in the unfortunate event of a fire. The support from Tower Insurance is invaluable, and together with the offer of a free home safety visit it will assist the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service in making the island safer and reducing the risk to our communities in their homes.’

To book a home safety visit, call 647300.

Pictured above are Richard Hulme of Tower Insurance, centre, with community safety support assistant Mary Kaniewski and station officer Mark Caley at Douglas fire station.