Scotland's fire service teams up with Fife group to create sign language fire safety video

The video, created by Fife Deaf Communication Service (FDCS), outlines how people with hearing difficulties can help keep family and friends safe from potentially deadly fires in the home by getting in touch with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.People in Fife can also utilise the FDCS to support them through the booking process.

SFRS is appealing to communities to consider home fire safety when checking in on vulnerable neighbours, patients, friends and family members during lockdown and to put them in touch with SFRS wherever possible.

Watch Commander Dougie Pollock has been leading the partnership within SFRS.

He said: “It is more important now than ever that we reach everyone, and that includes people who are hard of hearing. We want all of our services, including things such as free Home Fire Safety Visits, to be accessible by all.

“That is why we have abilities such as the text service or our online form where people can book a visit without relying on phone calls. Our partnership with Fife Deaf Communication Service is key to this as not only have they kindly provided this video, but they are also assisting people in Fife to get in touch with us.

“We are delighted that we have been able to work so closely with them to push Make the Call to as many people as possible, with the aim of saving more lives.”

The national campaign was launched following a sharp increase in the number of people who have passed away following fires in homes across Scotland.

Visits were temporarily suspended following the Covid-19 outbreak, however limited physical visits are now being carried out to homes where people are deemed to be at very high risk of fire.

However, following the launch of the Make the Call campaign, the service will carry out limited and targeted visits to those most at risk from fire in their homes, carried out following the latest guidance and precautionary measures.Julie Paterson, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, divisional general manager said: “I’m delighted that by working together, Fife Deaf Communication Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have jointly created this important video for our deaf community to promote vital messages about fire safety.“The video also provides information to enable people with hearing loss to access advice and guidance that will help save lives.“This is a great example of Fife HSCP working with partner organisations to improve the health and well- being of all the communities in Fife.”More information and safety advice for people who are hard of hearing can be found at www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/deaf-awarenessAnyone who wants to book a free Home Fire Safety Visit can call 0800 731 999 or text ‘fire’ to 80800.An online form can also be filled out at www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/hfsv-form.aspxPeople in Fife can also contact the Fife Deaf Communication Service by texting 07984356580 or emailing [email protected]

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