THE protection provided by a smoke alarm can make the difference between life and death. There are still many homes without this simple piece of equipment that has saved so many lives yet Great Yarmouth firefighters arrange for hundreds of smoke alarms to be fitted free of charge each year.

THE protection provided by a smoke alarm can make the difference between life and death.

There are still many homes without this simple piece of equipment that has saved so many lives yet Great Yarmouth firefighters arrange for hundreds of smoke alarms to be fitted free of charge each year.

Crews at the Friars Lane fire station have been raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms handing out leaflets and visiting schools.

White watch manager Matthew Clutten said: “We are always trying to come up with new ways of advertising the service. Smoke alarms save lives, but there are many people who don't realise they can be provided free of charge.

“We would like to raise the profile of the service and particularly want to target high risk groups like the over 65s. It is often the people most at risk from fires in the home who don't have smoke alarms.”

The smoke alarms are provided along with home risk assessments pointing out potential fire hazards in the home. Special smoke alarms are also available for deaf people that are connected to the telephone and vibrating pad placed under the pillow at night.

“Lots people have never thought about what they would do in the event of a fire,” added Matthew. “It is not a lecture, just a friendly advice - highlighting things we think could be dangerous.”

To receive a free smoke alarm and home fire risk visit www.norfolkfireservice.gov.uk or call freephone 0800 9178137.