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S for S encourages public to stay alert to fire safety
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     The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee today (October 3) urged residents to be on full alert to possible fire risks.

     Speaking at the launch ceremony of the Fire Prevention Campaign 2008, Mr Lee said that to safeguard their personal safety and property, people should foster good habits in fire prevention, such as keeping smoke doors closed and conducting regular maintenance of the fire service installations in their buildings.

     "Government departments, including the Fire Services Department, Buildings Department and Home Affairs Department, will continue their work in promoting fire safety. They will also step up the inspection of fire safety in licensed premises and take appropriate follow-up action against any offenders," he warned.

     "The Hong Kong SAR Government strives hard to provide a safe and secure living environment for Hong Kong residents. One of the major tasks of the Fire Services Department (FSD) is to protect people's lives and property from the risk of fire."

     More than 90,000 people have joined the Fire Safety Ambassador Scheme, which was launched by the FSD in 1997. Among these ambassadors are most of the frontline staff in the fields of security and property management. Fire Safety Ambassadors help alleviate fire hazards in buildings and promote fire safety among occupants.

     The FSD has also established a "District Fire Safety Ambassador Honorary Presidents' Association" in each of the 18 districts in Hong Kong to lend support to the ambassadors and to increase community awareness on the importance of fire prevention.

     Mr Lee called on everyone to take part in and support the cause of fire prevention. "Public co-operation is as important as efforts of government departments in ensuring a fire safe environment," he said.

     The Fire Services Department, together with District Fire Safety Committees, has organised a variety of fire safety publicity activities, including carnivals, fire station open days, fire drills, fire safety talks and a fire prevention slogan competition, to drive home the fire prevention message among people in different walks of life in an interactive way.

     Mr Lee said that people's fire prevention awareness had increased in recent years, reflected in fewer fires overall and fewer fires in premises. The number of casualties in fires has also decreased substantially.

     He said, "With the co-operation of the public, I have confidence that we can make Hong Kong a safe city."

     The ceremony launching the Fire Prevention Campaign 2008 will be shown on TVB Jade at 7.30pm tomorrow (October 4).

Ends/Friday, October 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:14

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