AQW 3532/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/03/2020
Answered On Date: 26/03/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to help prevent fires in domestic properties caused by electricity.

Answer:

I am committed to reducing the number of accidental injuries and deaths in the home. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) provides a range of information and advice to the community on fire safety including advice on how to prevent electrical fires in the home. NIFRS provides free Home Fire Safety Checks to members of the community who are deemed at risk. NIFRS completed 13,116 of these visits between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2019.

In February 2015, my Department launched the Home Accident Prevention Strategy 2015-2025. As part of this strategy the Public Health Agency work in partnership with stakeholders to deliver advice on common hazards within the home. This includes advice on electrical safety and fire prevention.