With the cost-of-living crisis continuing and winter soon upon us, Cleveland Fire Brigade is launching its 15th year of its award-winning Stay Safe and Warm Campaign to help residents stay safe and warm during the colder months.
The Brigade along with its Council partners across Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, and Redcar & Cleveland, want to remind their residents that help is available through these difficult times.
The Stay Safe and Warm scheme will once again run from October 2023 to March 2024 and is on hand to help those people most at risk. The FREE service is available for all Cleveland residents who are struggling to keep warm this winter with no age restrictions. A range of equipment will be available to suit the resident(s) depending on what they require following an assessment.
Robin Turnbull, Area Manager, Prevention, Protection and Engagement said: “We are very proud to be running this fantastic campaign which is now entering into its 15th year. Since the launch in 2008 we have helped over 9000 people, with over 3000 of them being under the age of 16.
“These are very difficult times for many, so whether it is a short-term issue such as boiler breakdown or an ongoing heating issue, we are here to help. If you know of anyone who may be struggling, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to support our local communities and are one of the only fire and rescue services to run such a campaign.
“We would also like to stress that some cost-cutting heating and lighting methods can be dangerous and will increase the risk of fires in the home, which could potentially prove fatal or cause significant injuries. We can help advise on how to reduce these risks through a Safer Homes Check. You can either use our online tool here or call our friendly team on 01429 874063 to arrange.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “15 years on and the Stay Safe and Warm scheme is more important than ever.
“From vital safety checks in people’s homes to providing essential items that can ease the burden of a cold winter, the campaign makes a huge difference.
“We’re proud to support it and I would urge anyone who needs help ahead of this winter to get in touch with the fire brigade today.”
Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council commented: “We have supported the partnership between the Council and Cleveland Fire Brigade for the last 15 years to contribute and enhance our winter warmth intervention initiative to provide immediate and short-term assistance to vulnerable people and families who are suffering from the effects of fuel poverty.
“In Hartlepool we have seen an increase of 125% in the uptake of this service provided in the 2022/2023 campaign and we value our partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade in delivering the service effectively and efficiently to our residents who are in need of this support.”
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council stated: “We have been committed to our partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade for the last 15 years in order to ensure we provide assistance to our most vulnerable residents during the cold winter months. There has been a year-on-year increase in demand for the Service and this campaign really does improve the quality of life for those most at need”.
To help keep you safe and stay warmer this winter, please follow some of the advice below:
- Move furniture away from radiators to allow heat to circulate
- Curtains should be thick or lined and closed at dusk to keep heat in
- Use heating controls to help manage room temperatures and times
- Turning the room thermostat down by 1°C can save 10% off your bill
- Room temperatures should be set between 18°C and 21°C (64°F and 70°F)
- Remember a room stays warm for 45 minutes after you switch off the heating
- Setting your hot water tank thermostat to 60°C (140°F)
- Place aluminium foil behind the radiators to reflect heat back into the room
- Draught proof windows and exterior doors with brush or PVC seals
To contact the Stay Safe and Warm team call 01429 874063 or click here for more information on our Stay Safe and Warm campaign.
