In Pictures: Fire Safety Packs launched for every island household

A new Fire Safety Programme for Island communities was launched by Donegal Fire Service at Gaoth Dobhair Fire Station yesterday.

This new programme will involve the distribution of Fire Safety Packs which will include a 2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and a carbon monoxide alarm to every household living on Tory, Arranmore, Island Roy, Gola, Rutland, Inis Caorach, Owey, Inishinney, Inishmeane and Inishboffin.

These packs are in addition to the smoke alarms that have been distributed to households on the islands over the past number of years as part of the ongoing Islands Community Fire Safety.

Speaking following the launch Chief Fire Officer Joseph McTaggart explained that this initiative is part of the continued fire safety approach which has been delivered to the Island communities over the past number of years.

The Chief Fire Officer said that this type of an initiative is important for those living on the islands and the equipment provided in these packs are fire safety essentials and every home should have them. However, the Chief Fire Officer explained that while these items are important, a working smoke alarm can save lives and the advice contained in the information leaflets is even more important and every home should follow this advice.

This advice includes having smoke alarms fitted and to test them weekly, having an escape plan so you and your family can get out safely in the event of a fire and make a fire safety check part of your nightly routine. Smoke alarms which were supplied as part of the island community fire safety initiative have been replaced in the recent past with new smoke alarms having a 10 year battery life.

These packs will be distributed to every island household by the island representatives in the coming weeks and training on how to use the fire extinguishers and the fire blankets will also be provided.

Donegal Fire Service has been working closely with Island groups over the last number months to put this initiative in place.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Gerry McMonagle paid tribute to the work done by these groups and the Donegal Fire Service saying “I am delighted to see our Fire Service working closely with the island representative bodies on this important initiative. An important part of the Fire Service’s remit is to promote fire safety in the home and in the community and this type of community based initiative allows the Fire Service to get the fire safety message conveyed in a most effective way”.

This launch event was attended by Cathaoirleach of Glenties MD and Cathaoirleach of the Islands Committee Cllr. Michael Cholm MacGiollaEasbuig and elected representative Cllr. John Seamais O’Fearraigh along with island representatives.

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