Purpose
The Smoke Alarm Programme is designed to ensure that smoke alarms are installed and are operating properly in all private and public residences.
It is also intended to keep fire deaths and property losses at a minimum as well as to educate residents about fire safety and the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms.
Policy
The Barbados Fire Service will, at no charge to qualified residents,
install one or more smoke alarms, test existing smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries if needed, conduct a home fire-safety check help residents develop a fire safety / fire escape plan for themselves if they live alone and for families where necessary.
Programme Description
The Smoke Alarm Programme will comprise of the following components but will be dynamic enough to encompass any other activity or set of activities that will help the Fire Prevention Unit to achieve its goals.
- Smoke Alarms for Seniors and seniors who live alone;
- Smoke Alarms for the Disabled;
- The After Fire Care Program;
- Children homes and day care facilities
- Elderly care facilities
For the Fire Prevention Unit these constitute the most vulnerable and at risk groups in the society and require special care and attention.
Global statistics show that in fire related incidents where fatalities are recorded it is the elderly and the young who suffer the most. Hence the concerted effort to address the needs of these identified populations.The data gathered for a response to any of these groups can come from community groups, government departments, inspections, family members or concerned citizens. An initial assessment will be made to substantiate the information received and then a determination will be made concerning request before installation is made.
In executing this program the fire prevention officers will conduct a home fire-safety check,install one or more smoke alarms, fully explain how the smoke alarm functions and how to maintain it and help residents develop a fire safety / fire escape plan.
Smoke Alarm activities carried out after an emergency response will follow to the guidelines set out in the After Fire Care Program.Alarms installed by Fire Officers or Fire Prevention Officers should only be done with the permission of the home-owner and/or occupant.
An appropriate record should be made of all such installations and an annual check is to be made of each installation to ensure that it is working effectively.
All home-owners and/or occupants shall be encouraged to develop and practice a home-escape plan. Early warning by smoke alarms is only effective if the occupants of the dwelling know what to do when the alarm sounds.