If your sections or groups would like to take advantage of the leaflets or talks on offer please contact KFRS directly - all the information is contained below.

This year Kent Fire and Rescue Service will be focusing our attention on parents because they are often a focus point for the extended family of aunts, uncles and grandparents, so can be key influencers for us. By engaging these parents in fire safety we can reap the benefits as they pass their messages on to other family members who will often fall into high-risk categories.

We can provide leaflets to support the campaign and Andy Bigginton our education team leader, who already works closely with groups within the movement is more than happy to speak at any of the meetings to address a group of leaders, etc.

It might be something that the groups could use as part of the community safety badge and spend sometime during the winter months checking on their elderly neighbours or families with very young babies/children to see if they have smoke alarms fitted.

Similarly I know many of the groups get involved with bag packing in the run up to Christmas, we could provide them with the winter safety cards to put in the shopping bags of those with babies/young children and older people.

Safeguard your nearest and dearest this winter

When a fire engine zooms down the road on flashing blue lights with sirens blazing, often the first thing people think is "I hope it's not a fire in my home or that of someone I know".

But how often do they take the time to check that their nearest and dearest are fully equipped with the right advice to protect them from fire?

As the colder weather takes hold, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is appealing to residents to make sure their homes, and those of people close to them, are safeguarded.

Neighbours, friends and loved-ones may need your help to protect themselves from the outbreak of fire. Perhaps you have an elderly parent, or know someone who lives alone, or with young children, who could benefit from safety advice. Maybe your own children are now grown-up, starting a family of their own and need some tips on fire prevention.

Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: "Often all that is needed is some practical help to stop fires starting in the first place. Maybe they need a smoke alarm fitted or advice on escape routes and what to do if a fire starts in their home. Or perhaps they need some more specialist advice or services to help keep safe."

He added: "Just three breaths of toxic smoke from a fire can be life-threatening, but we offer free safety advice and services to help minimise the risk of being harmed. By encouraging those you care about to get in touch with us, you will be playing a huge part in preventing a fire and may even save a life."

Fire crews will be out and about in communities across Kent and Medway throughout the season, handing out safety tips and raising awareness of the main causes of fire in the home and how to avoid them.

Help keep safe this winter with the following safety tips:
* If you plan on using an open fire, make sure your chimney has been recently swept as build-ups of soot and ash can cause chimney fires.
* When going to bed, make absolutely certain that any open fire is either out, or pushed back into the grate and a guard used to prevent sparks setting light to carpets or furniture.
* Interior doors should always be closed when going to bed as they can dramatically reduce the spread of fire.
* Portable heaters should be dust-free and kept well away from anything that could catch fire.
* Candles should always be placed on a non flammable surface, be away from soft furnishing like curtains and never be left unattended. It is far safer to consider using torches instead of candles.
* Make sure you fit, and regularly test, a smoke alarm. It is the single most important piece of safety equipment in any home.

For further information or to learn more about the free advice and services on offer to residents contact KFRS on 0800 923 7000 or visit www.3Breaths.info

Children can also learn more about fire safety by visiting KFRS's page for kids at www.firefighterfred.info

Note:
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is now a partner in the Age Action Alliance, launched on 30 September. It has joined dozens of organisations from across the voluntary, private and public sectors who are coming together to celebrate the lives of older people and address the challenges of our ageing society. As the first national initiative of its kind, the Alliance aims to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged older people, prevent deprivation in later life and challenge age discrimination. They will work together to improve the lives of older people and help transform communities into better places to grow older. For more information, visit www.ageactionalliance.org.uk

If you would like to take up the offer of a talk then please use the Contact Form at the top of the page and we will provide you with all the contact details.