New posters hit home safety double message

Nov 22 2008 by Andrew Hirst, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

GIVE someone the kiss of life this Christmas.

That’s the festive message in a campaign called Celebrate Safer launched by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It drives home two messages – the need for smoke detectors and the concern that the road death toll rises in December.

Two powerful images – one of mistletoe hanging from a smoke alarm and another of firefighters cutting a trapped motorist from an upturned car – accompany the slogans The Kiss Of Life and ’Tis The Season To Be Safer.

The images will appear on posters and drinks mats in pubs, clubs and leisure centres.

There is also a website which offers essential safety advice – www.celebratesafer.co.uk – and will appear on www.999tv.org and YouTube.

For the first time ever, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also hopes to reach an audience by to sending safety messages to mobile phones using Bluetooth wireless technology designed to allow personal electronic devices to interact smoothly with each other over a short range.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig McIntosh, Director of Community Fire Safety, said: “If you don’t have a working smoke alarm you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire.

“Of those who do own a smoke alarm, the vast majority do not check them regularly, which can be just as dangerous.

“Christmas is a time for loved ones, so what better gift to give them than precious minutes which will save their lives – make sure you check your smoke alarm once a week.

“Equally, firefighters across West Yorkshire attend too many road accidents which are avoidable. We would urge motorists to take care on the roads this festive season and, as our campaign says, celebrate safer.”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks to everyone which involves the fitting of free smoke alarms.

Call freephone 0800 5874536 or visit www.celebratesafer.co.uk for details.