Life-saving step protects elderly from fire
While many of our older relatives are hitting their prime, for some the everyday things that used to take seconds can become harder as the years go by
Testing smoke alarms can often be one of these things – its position makes it harder to reach and changing the batteries becomes a tricky operation
So the Fire Kills campaign is asking people to make a life-saving step next time they see their older relatives and test their smoke alarms for them
The facts about fire and the elderly
An early warning is vital to make a safe escape in a fire – especially for those less able to move quickly
Last year in England, half of all people who died in accidental household fires were aged 65 and over
Your ageing parent would have less than two minutes to escape in a fire before the air becomes un-breathable and they would be rendered unconscious
So a working smoke alarm can give your loved ones the extra time they need in a fire to get out, stay out and call 999
They are four times more likely to die in a fire if they do not have a working smoke alarm
Simple steps to help keep your older friends and relatives fire safe
- Make sure they have a smoke alarm on every level of their home
- Test their smoke alarm whenever you visit to help give them the vital extra seconds they need to escape in a fire
- If you are a carer, make sure you close household doors at night
- Look for electrical risks such as frayed wires and overloaded plugs to help reduce the risk in their home
- Unplug appliances such as heaters and electric blankets when they’re not in use
- Invest in vibrating smoke alarms for the hard of hearing
- Easy-reach smoke alarm testers are available for those with limited movement
- Linked alarm systems also give early warning of a fire, wherever it is in the building
If you are in Scotland, contact don’t give fire a home to book a fire safety visit
