Analysis of the home safety checks carried out by fire service staff has revealed overwhelming resident satisfaction levels, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue can reveal. According to the service, which has completed 15,000 such checks so far, 96 percent of people are left satisfied following one of the visits.
research findings
The research has also shown that, while 55 percent of people rated their home safe before a home safety check, 97 percent rated it safe after the check, a 42 percent increase.
A third of people then said that they would take action, following the visit, to make their home safer should any issues have been identified.
outstanding service
Beyond the satisfaction scores, though, the pleasing thing is that people are feeling safer in their homes"
“We’re pleased with the results of this research as it reaffirms what we already suspected, that our staff are delivering an outstanding service,” said Area Manager - Simon Dunker, Head of the Joint Police and Fire Community Safety Department.
He adds, “Beyond the satisfaction scores, though, the pleasing thing is that people are feeling safer in their homes after we’ve visited, and are taking action to reduce their risks."
Benefits of a visit
Simon Dunker continues, “Reviewing our work, and making sure we’re doing a good job, is important to us. It is part of striving to be the best we can be and is something we will continue to do."
He stated, “I’d encourage anyone who feels they are at particular risk of fire to get in touch with us and arrange a visit as soon as possible. The same goes for family members who you think would benefit.”
Study details
Researchers also identified that householders don’t just keep the knowledge to themselves, but share it between friends and family too, with 50 percent of people saying they had passed on some of the advice following their visit.
The study, which was conducted by the University of Sheffield in conjunction with the fire and rescue service, involved telephone interviews with 234 people being asked questions about their own home safety check experience.
home safety checks
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service offers home safety checks free for people who meet its set criteria, this can include living alone, being over a certain age, or having a hearing impairment. They involve firefighters or community safety staff advising on how to make a home safer and what to do in the event of a fire. They may also involve smoke alarms being fitted if needed.
