The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS of smoke detectors will be distributed to the elderly and the disabled next week, as part of the Royal Bahamas Fire Services’ annual Fire Safety Awareness Week.

The theme for this year, said fire chief Supt Walter Evans, is ‘Empowering the Disabled through Fire Safety’.

He said yesterday the fire branch is “mindful of the challenges” for disabled people during an emergency.

“To this end, our focus will be - but not limited to - those persons with special needs,” Supt Evans said.

“We believe that it is better to provide this group with the tools necessary for any fire related eventuality.

“We need not wait for something to happen and then we react. Our aim will be to visit the residential facilities, install an early warning device and provide them with proper instructions.”

Rev Dr CB Moss was also on hand for the announcement, on behalf of the Bain and Grants Town Advancement Association.

He said the group will be working with fire services to install the alarms.

“We are working this year in conjunction with fire services to bring fire prevention information to our people, also to assist in installing fire or smoke alerts in the homes of the elderly shut-ins,” he said. “That’s a very special group in our community (and) a rather large group of persons who are shut in due to disability, advanced age.”

Also yesterday, Alison Prince of the Bahamas Red Cross said they will be presenting new fire-fighting equipment to the communities.

Fire Safety Week starts with a church service at Mackey Street’s Salvation Army Church at 11am tomorrow.

On Monday, starting at 11am, the opening ceremony and exhibition will take place at the Mall at Marathon.

Tuesday will see evacuation drills at schools and senior citizen’s homes.

On Wednesday morning, smoke detectors will be distributed starting at 8.30am. There will be a community walkabout and Fireman’s Challenge at Police Headquarters on Thursday.

On Friday, there will be a Fire Drill Display at RM Bailey Park at 5.30pm. On Saturday, there will be a fun/run/walk starting at Police Headquarters at 6am.