Check smoke alarms to avert Christmas tragedy: Dobbins

With Christmas just around the corner, a local councillor is urging Derry residents to ensure their smoke alarms are working properly.

SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins was speaking after such alarm averted a fire taking hold of a home in the Waterside area of the city.

Fire crews from Crescent Link and Northland Road stations responded to a report of a blaze at a terraced house in Emerson Street, off Bond Street.

The Fire Service revealed “sounding” smoke alarms alerted neighbours to a small fire in the property which was out by the time firefighters arrived on the scene..

Cllr Dobbins said: “Once again, a smoke alarm averted a fire taking hold of a home in the Waterside area of the city.

“I urge everyone to check their smoke detectors and renew the batteries if required.

“Especially at this time of the year when Christmas lights and trees are on constantly and ovens and electric heaters are being used more frequently and for longer periods, sockets and power adaptors can overheat and in some cases catch fire.

“Before leaving your home unattended and especially before going to bed at night make sure all sockets are turned off and the plugs are pulled out.”

She concluded: “A five minute check could save your life and you property.”