MONDAY, OCTOBER 25: Public Safety Minister David Burch this morning officially launched Fire Safety Awareness Week - which aims to promote the importance of smoke detectors.

The week’s theme is Smoke Detectors - A Sound You Can Live With, an event that is also observed across North America and the United Kingdom.

Senator Burch said: “Public safety is a top priority in the islands of Bermuda and safety from fire is important to our citizens and to firefighters who put their lives on the line with every response to a fire.

“This week is designed to encourage Bermuda residents to take action to prevent fires and to prepare to protect yourself should a fire strike. Employing good fire safety practices in your homes is paramount to the safety of you and your families. Things that can be done include having a home fire escape plan, installing and maintaining smoke alarms through our homes and buildings and regular fire safety drills.

“The reduction of injury or death is the goal we want to achieve.

“I am pleased to note that this year for the first time - the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service is going into the community with outreach to both ends of the Island during Fire Safety Week to carry the message to as wide an audience as possible. With that effort and media coverage I am confident we will reach a majority of our citizens.”

For more see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette