Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Carmarthenshire residents are being urged to take care following several incidents involving e-cigarettes , their batteries and chargers. There are growing reports across the UK of e-cigarettes that have ignited while in use or being charged. At least one house fire in Carmarthenshire has been attributed to a faulty charger. Incidents have also been reported of e-cigarettes exploding, especially when being used in an oxygen-rich environment. Carmarthenshire County Council’s trading standards team is currently looking in to the issue, and in the meantime are urging people to be more aware of the hazards. Cllr Jim Jones, executive board member for public protection, said: “These reports are worrying, particularly since our colleagues in the fire service believe that a house fire in Llanelli, in which a woman sustained a significant injury, was started because of a faulty charger. “Our trading standards team is looking in to the issue locally, and whilst we’re aware that some devices...

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are holding and attending a range of different practical and educational events during Child Safety Week (until 24 June 2012) to help parents, carers and young people learn more about keeping children safe from fire and reducing the risk of serious accidents. Throughout the week Young Firefighters in Swansea, Lampeter, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire will be talking to their peers at local schools and youth groups about home fire safety. As part of the service´s ongoing Phoenix Project, courses are running throughout the week in Machynlleth and Haverfordwest for young people aged 11 to 25 years old to help build confidence and promote independent thinking through fire service activities.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Older people across Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to request a free Home Fire Safety Check from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to help make their property safer from fire. A Home Fire Safety Check is usually carried out by two Fire Service representatives who will provide advice on making your home safe from fire, help with planning escape routes and install new smoke alarms, with 10-year batteries, where needed.

The police have teamed up with the fire service to carry out free home safety checks for older people in Carmarthenshire this winter. The Dyfed-Powys Police ‘Bobby Van’ will visit homes where a qualified carpenter will look at security and fit locks, alarms and door chains if needed as well as offer advice to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. Thanks to funding from the Electrical Safety Council, he will be joined by staff from Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service who will supply and install a smoke alarm and give practical information on identifying fire hazards in the home. The aim of the project is to help people feel safer in their homes by reducing the opportunity for crime and the risk of fire. Jan Morgan, aged 68, said she was very grateful for the safety check carried out at her home in Robinson Street, Llanelli. “The police came to talk to us at the Tuesday Club in the Catholic Hall to tell us about the Bobby Van and the fire safety checks so I signed ...

Carmarthenshire residents are being urged to have their electric blankets tested for free before the winter arrives. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is holding free testing events across Carmarthenshire during September and October. Community fire safety officers will be checking electric blankets as well as providing free home safety advice and encouraging residents to sign up to a free home fire safety check. Any defective blankets will be replaced with new. The events are being held in partnership with Age Concern Sir Gâr, who will also be attending and offering information and advice on a range of issues. Community fire safety officer Steve Winstone said: “It is extremely important that you have your electric blanket tested - especially if you have had it for a number of years. “Electric blankets can have potentially life threatening faults such as defective overheat protection and exposed wires - and although figures show that faults are more common in older blankets, p...