Look out for older people this week
During Age Concern Week (22 – 29 September), Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is taking this opportunity to remind residents how vulnerable older people are to fire in their home and are asking their friends, relatives and neighbours to look out for them.
From April 2006 to March 2007, there were 608 house fires in the county. 45 people in total suffered minor injuries, 10 of which were aged 60 or over.
If you are an older person or you are concerned about an elderly person you know, then please take note of the following tips.
* Plan and practice a fire escape route especially if you live in a block of flats or have mobility problems
* Never leave cooking unattended and make sure all appliances and hobs are switched off before going to bed
* Before going to bed check all heaters are switched off and guards placed in front of open fires
* Check your electric blanket and make sure it is switched off if it is not meant to be on over night
* Never smoke in bed and extinguish all cigarettes carefully in a proper ashtray
* Make sure you have a working smoke alarm – this will give you plenty of time to escape and alert the Fire and Rescue Service in the event of a fire
County Fire Officer, William Brown said:
“It is essential that we look after and care for older people within our community. We do see a lot of incidents among the over 60 age group, which is why I would urge anyone worried about a relative or neighbour to pop round and make sure they have a working smoke alarm. If they don’t, then contact our Helpline on 01926 466282 and find out how to get a free home fire safety check. Alternatively log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue “
From April 2006 to March 2007 we carried out 1530 Home Fire Safety Checks in households where people were aged over 60. 1903 Smoke Alarms were fitted as a result of the checks.