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UK first for home safety drug initiative

A new scheme is being launched on Teesside today to increase home safety for drug and alcohol users and their families. Cleveland Fire Brigade has joined forces with the Safer Hartlepool Partnership to run the programme aimed at increasing fire safety and home security amongst the families of drug users and heavy drinkers. The scheme will particularly look to reduce the potential risk of children having access to medicine by providing secure medication cabinets.

The brigade believes the pilot scheme, which will be run in Hartlepool and launched today at the town’s Community Drugs Centre, is the first of its kind in the country. Ed Parrish, Cleveland Fire Brigades Community Safety Liaison Manager said: “We would like drug and alcohol users and their families to either get in contact with us directly on 01429 872311 and ask for Lyndsay, through their own drug treatment programme’s or by coming along to the launch to find out more about the free scheme, get safety advice or sign up for a referral. Everyone will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. “During the short home visit Brigade personnel will discuss fire safety, fit smoke alarms, and other specialist equipment such as flame retardant bedding or throws if needed, and refer them for a secure medicine cabinet if they are eligible.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .