Even so, many northerners continue to forget one important thing when decorating their homes.
A thing that could potentially have saved the lives of four northerners last year.
According to the Fire Movement, there are still far too many people who do not have a working smoke alarm, which is why the organization is going around the country this week helping people get one to check whether the one they already have is working.
In North Jutland, the campaign, which is a collaboration between North Jutland Emergency Services, the Fire Movement and the Tryg Foundation, is coming to Brønderslev and Jammerbugt, among other things, and there is a good reason for that, explains Ole Nedahl from the Fire Movement.
Saves both lives and valuables
– There are really, really many people who have gradually set up smoke alarms. But we are still missing many – and especially in residential areas where people do not have many resources, he explains.
– We would like to say that it is a good idea, because it not only saves lives – but also values, because you can put out the fire before it spreads, he points out.
Have you checked your smoke alarms? Otherwise, you might be able to get help with it next week. Private photo
Danske Beredskaber also carries out similar campaigns from time to time, but Ole Nedahl still believes that there is a need for an outreach effort like the one taking place on Saturday 16 and Friday 22 November.
Here, the Smoke Alarm Patrol comes past selected residential areas to offer a check of the residents’ smoke alarms.
Number of people killed in fire per region 2023
- Northern Jutland: 4
- Central Jutland: 9
- Southern Denmark: 10
- Zealand: 6
- The capital: 18
If you do not already have a smoke alarm – or it has run out of batteries – this is also something that the Smoke Alarm Patrol, which consists of local firefighters and scouts, can fix.
– If the smoke alarm is over ten years old, we usually offer a new one. Because the electronics in it rarely last that long, so it’s also important to keep an eye on it, says Ole Nedahl.
Neither unpacked nor hung up
He explains that it is also not unusual for the patrol to come out to people who have a smoke alarm, but it is neither unpacked nor fitted.
– It is especially elderly people and the mentally vulnerable who do not have an alarm. The young, on the other hand, are better at remembering it than you might think. Maybe because they learned it at school, he adds.
That is why the smoke alarm is important
- An average of 56 people have died in accidental fires each year over the past 10 years in Denmark.
- In 2023, 47 people died in an accidental fire compared to 53 people the previous year.
- The majority of those killed in fatal fires are over 50 years old.
- Deaths in fires are more often men than women.
- It is most often people who live alone, as well as people in need of care, who die in fires
- Carelessness when smoking is the most frequent cause of fatal fires.
- In at least half of the homes where a fatal fire occurs, a smoke alarm is not installed, and only 14 per cent. of the fatal fires, a working smoke alarm was registered in the home.
Source: The Emergency Management Agency and TrygFonden
This is the seventeenth time the Fire Movement and the Tryg Foundation have collaborated with municipalities and emergency services to focus on fire safety and smoke alarms. And over the years this has resulted in nearly 15,000 smoke alarms being set up by vulnerable citizens.
2024-11-10 09:56:00
#people #North #Jutland #died #year #forget #important #precaution
**Interview with Ole Nedahl from the Fire Movement**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ole. Your organization is launching a campaign to promote smoke alarm safety in Northern Jutland. Can you tell us a bit about why this campaign is necessary?
**Ole Nedahl:** Thank you for having me! The campaign is crucial because many people in Northern Jutland still lack functioning smoke alarms in their homes. It’s a serious issue – last year, four lives were lost in fires in our region. We want to remind everyone that a working smoke alarm is essential not only for saving lives but also for protecting personal belongings.
**Editor:** That’s alarming. What are some common reasons that people don’t have working smoke alarms?
**Ole Nedahl:** Many people may not prioritize smoke alarms due to a lack of resources or awareness. We often find that smoke alarms are either not installed, out of batteries, or, in some cases, they are just sitting in their packaging and never actually put up. This is especially true among elderly individuals who may face challenges in installation.
**Editor:** How does your campaign aim to address these issues?
**Ole Nedahl:** We’re partnering with North Jutland Emergency Services and the Tryg Foundation to go door-to-door in selected neighborhoods on November 16 and 22. We will check if smoke alarms are functioning, install new ones if needed, and provide education on proper usage and maintenance.
**Editor:** That’s a proactive approach! What should residents do if they realize they need assistance before the campaign dates?
**Ole Nedahl:** We encourage anyone who is unsure about their smoke alarms to reach out to local emergency services. And for those who can’t wait for our patrol, it’s vital to check if your smoke alarm is less than ten years old – if not, it’s time to replace it.
**Editor:** What final message do you want to share with our readers about smoke alarms?
**Ole Nedahl:** Don’t underestimate the importance of smoke alarms. It’s a small but crucial investment in safety. Check your alarms, maintain them, and spread the word. It truly can make a difference in saving lives and belongings in the event of a fire. Thank you for helping us raise awareness!
**Editor:** Thank you, Ole. We appreciate your efforts and hope this campaign helps keep everyone safe.
