2 October 2008

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is asking older people, and those who support them, to consider how well protected they are from fire this Grandparents’ Day (Sunday 5 October).

Whilst being older doesn’t necessarily mean having to rely on others, it does mean you are at an increased risk of having a fire in your home.

Recent statistics show that a third of all fatalities caused by accidental house fires involve those over 75. Aside from the risk of injury, fire can also cause damage to your home or loss of valuables which can be a traumatic and costly burden.

Terry Ridgley, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety manager has seen many fires involving older people and says: “Although many older people won’t consider themselves to be vulnerable, sadly it’s a fact that you are at a greater risk from fire if you are over 75”.

Terry is asking older people to think about fire safety and how safe your home is and is also asking the community to think about any older relative, neighbour or friend they have who may need some help and information on fire safety.

“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. This Grandparents’ Day, give this gift that costs nothing, to protect yourself or a loved one – a Home Fire Risk Check.

 “A working smoke alarm, combined with an understanding of how to reduce your risk and what to do if a fire breaks out, can offer all parties peace of mind”.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service offers free home fire risk checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. To find out more, ring 01296 744477, send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form at www.bucksfire.gov.uk

Terry offered the following safety advice:

• Fit and maintain a smoke alarm – you should have one on each level of your home. The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, or on the hallway and landing. Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital.
  
• Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can give you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999. Make sure you replace battery-operated smoke alarm units after 10 years. Alternatively consider installing a 10-year battery smoke alarm or mains powered alarm.
  
• Don’t remove the batteries – if your smoke alarm keeps going off accidentally while you are cooking, don’t remove the batteries. Instead move the alarm or change it for one with a silencer button.
  
• Stay safe in the kitchen - This is the area where the majority of house fires start so never leave cooking unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen turn electrical appliances off and take pans off the heat.
  
• In the event of a fire ‘Get out, Stay out and Call 999!’ – Don’t delay for valuables, don’t investigate or try to tackle the fire.  Use a mobile, a neighbour’s phone or a phone box to call 999.  If someone needs to be rescued wait safely outside for the firefighters who have the equipment and training to do it.   Never go back in.
  
• Don't overload plug sockets - one plug per socket is the rule, be careful not to let leads trail over cookers or touch water.
  
• Get ‘key clever’ – keys for windows and doors should always be kept in an accessible place where everyone can find them, so you can get out quickly in the event of a fire. 
  
• Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.
  
• Candles – Keep candles in secure holders, on a surface that doesn’t burn, and away from any materials that may catch fire, like curtains.   
  
• Electric blankets – Make sure they are turned off and stored flat or rolled up (not folded) when not in use. Never use them with a hot water bottle. Statistics show that fires caused by electrical appliances, electric blankets have the highest rate of injury, with 441 injuries for every 1,000 fires.

Grandparents' Day 2008 was brought to the UK by Age Concern in 1990.  The national event celebrates the important role grandparents play in society and highlights the special relationship they have with their grandchildren.