Fire service helps mums-to-be reduce risk of blazes in South Yorkshire homes

Thousands of mums-to-be in South Yorkshire are to receive home safety advice from the fire service.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is funding a scheme where a thermometer, with fire safety advice printed on it, is to be handed to new mums following a successful trial in Barnsley.

As well as telling parents when their baby’s room is at the correct temperature, the thermometers also display messages about topics including home fire safety and smoke free homes.

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Details on a Stop Smoking Maternity service are also featured.

The project has been awarded £23,500 from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, which set aside £2 million for charities and community organisations and to apply for grants for community safety work.

Groups were able to bid for cash to support projects which reduce injuries, save lives and make South Yorkshire safer.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s high risk co-ordinator, Sarah Broadbent, said: “We already have a strong relationship with the midwives at Barnsley Hospital, including a successful referral scheme ensuring the most vulnerable families are referred for our home safety check service.

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“This latest project will see important fire safety messages delivered at a busy time when basic home safety issues could easily be forgotten.”

Barnsley midwife Joanne Poskitt said: “The thermometers are a practical and simple tool which will help parents provide a safe sleeping environment for baby, information on creating a smoke free home and offer the opportunity for a free home safety check.”