Blind grandad backs smoke alarm message

From the archive, first published Friday 13th Apr 2007.

A BLIND grandfather is helping firefighters push home their message on smoke alarms.

Leonard Southgate, 85, of Berg Avenue, Canvey, narrowly escaped from his home after his kettle caught alight on a kitchen hob.

Mr Southgate, who fled his home after being alerted by the smoke detector, said: "I just made a run for the front door and called for help.

"I am very lucky to be alive. The ambulance checked me over and said I was well.

"Thank God because I had ballroom dancing that day!"

Mr Southgate met up with the officers who installed the alarm last week.

Community fire safety officer Mark Crouch said: "The whole situation could have been a lot worse.

"We could have had another tragic incident, but the alarm saved him."

Mr Southgate is now urging other people to have a fire alarm installed in their home.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service provides free home safety checks, during which free fire alarms may be fitted. The devices run on a ten-year battery that cannot be removed.

Community officers also offer safety tips and help plan escape routes. For a free home fire safety visit, call 01268 548804.