Posted: Wednesday 21st November 2018
The Stove Guard project, which includes Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS), Herts Careline and Living Safely was shortlisted in the ninth annual HEART Awards 2018.
The Hertfordshire Excellence, Achievement, Recognition and Thanks (HEART) Awards recognised the achievements of Hertfordshire’s community protection staff which includes Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as partner agencies. Herts Careline was pleased to partner with HFRS for the innovative Stove Guard project, which gave us a nomination in HEART’s ‘Innovation of the Year’ category.
The Stove Guard is a device which automatically turns a cooker off if it gets too hot or if it is left on after cooking – significantly reducing the risk of a fire ever happening. Herts Careline, HFRS and Living Safely joined forces late last year to pioneer the first ever in the UK use of an innovative life saving fire safety device connected to a telecare response centre which is Herts Careline’s Alarm Receiving Centre in Letchworth Garden City.
The trial began with a local couple, Mrs Sheila and Mr Denzil Male of Ickleford, Hitchin. Mrs Male lives with memory loss and she had become reluctant to cook as she was fearful of causing a fire by leaving the cooker on. Now with the Stove Guard in place, and with Herts Careline and Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue’s emergency telecare response support connected as a backup, the couple have now regained their independence and can cook for themselves without the risk of fire.
"I think it’s a wonderful thing" said Mrs Male. "It’s such a reassurance and makes me feel confident I can cook safely again. I’m grateful to be part of this trial."
We were delighted that our innovative project was recognised by these Awards.
