CANOLFAN Plant Jig-So Children’s Centre, Cardigan, has been working in partnership with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to deliver home fire safety checks (HFSC’s) in the community for the last five years.

Jig-So carry out the HFSC’s while providing support to families. Parents can easily get distracted when looking after small children so highlighting hazards is vital. They look out for fire risks as well as other risks and tailor the advice to the family.

Jig-So can also fit smoke alarms and provide other safety intervention equipment if required. This is a free service that has prevented many fires and may also have saved lives.

Linda Grace, chair of the trustees at Jig-So said: “It’s offering an extra valuable service and a way of ensuring safety within the home as we engage with families.

“Safety is a very important aspect of our work. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have trained our staff and provided us with support to enable us to deliver the HFSCs.”

Julie Williams, a family support worker at Jig-So said: “We will sit with the family and create an escape plan so they know what to do in the event of a fire. We provide advice on electrical safety, candle safety, cooking safety, bed time routine, the list is endless.”

Julie and other staff from Jig-So have been delivering home fire safety checks all around Ceredigion, North Pembrokeshire and as far as Capel Iwan and Newcastle Emlyn in Carmarthenshire, for several years.

“We work closely with MAWWFRS to record any vital information, such as oxygen user or needing assistance to escape, and report any issues to the Fire and Rescue Service. All these little steps help when there is an emergency,” said Julie, who has been shadowing Community Safety Officers as part of her training.

For a free home fire safety check, call Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 1691234 or contact Jig-So Children’s Centre in Cardigan on (01239) 615922.

Roshnara Ali, partnerships officer for MAWWFRS, said: “HFSC’s are an essential resource in the service’s drive to reduce the deaths and injuries that are caused by accidental fires.

“By working in partnership with Jig-So Children’s Centre we can ensure that the HFSC’s are reaching the high risk and vulnerable members of our community.

“It’s often easier and welcoming for the Centre to deliver the check while they are there at the home and provide a holistic service from one point of contact. We are grateful to Jig-So Children’s Centre for all the work they do in carrying out the home safety checks.”