Ageing Safely Week

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to be supporting Ageing Safely Week (from 29th September to 3rd October 2014).

Elderly people are at greater risk from fire. Almost twice as many people over the age of 50 die in house fires compared to those under 50. People over 80 are 10 times more likely to die in a fire than someone under 30.

Fire safety tips

Follow these tips to cut down the risk of a fire in your home:

Make sure you have a smoke alarm on each floor of your home. Test your smoke alarm regularly – it can't save lives if it's not working properly. If you have hearing problems, you can get a smoke alarm which sets off vibrating pads which can be put under your pillow at night, to get your attention.

If you smoke, make sure you stub your cigarettes out completely. Never smoke in bed.

If you have an open fire, make sure you use a fireguard.

Don't dry clothes over or near a fire.

When you're cooking, never leave the pan unattended.

Don't overload electrical sockets.

Plan an escape route. This can save valuable time in a fire.

You can help to keep a vulnerable older person by booking a Home Fire Safety Check. This involves a member of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service visiting their home to give fire safety advice, discuss escape routes and fit free smoke alarms (if required).

Book a Home Fire Safety Check at http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/MyArea/?i=f&t=fsc