Brigade backs Age Concern's Grandparent's Day

26 September 2008

London Fire Brigade is taking the opportunity to remind older people and their relatives about fire safety this Grandparent’s Day (Sunday, 5 October).

Established by charity Age Concern, Grandparent’s Day, recognises the role of grandparents in families and communities across the country.

While many older people are active, have access to information about safety and know how to protect themselves from the dangers of fire, a significant number live alone and have reduced mobility, making them particularly vulnerable.

With the approach of winter this vulnerability increases as people spend more time indoors, making greater use of heaters, candles and cooking appliances. In turn this increases the risk of fires starting and injury from fire occurring.

London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety, Steve Turek explained why older people were a particular target for the Brigade’s fire safety work.

He said: “Around 60 per cent of fire deaths involve people over 60-years-old and nine out of ten of these deaths occur in the home. Hearing about the death of an older person in a fire is always distressing, particularly when the cause was something that could have been avoided, like a faulty electric heater, unattended candle, or carelessly discarded cigarette.”

Assistant Commissioner Turek urged older Londoners to follow some simple advice to protect themselves and their homes from fire:

• Arrange a free home fire safety visit by calling 08000 28 44 28. Local firefighters will visit your home, chat to you about fire safety and fit free smoke alarms if you need them.
• Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home and check alarms regularly to make sure they work
• 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.
• Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of a fire. Consider an alternative route in case the usual route is blocked.
• Make sure all objects are kept clear of heaters
• Ensure all electrical appliances are in safe working order, replacing frayed cords and broken plugs and keeping them free from dust
• Make sure candles are used with caution and never left unattended
• Put out cigarettes carefully – never smoke in bed (falling asleep while smoking is a major cause of fires)
• Always turn off electric blankets before getting into bed, and make sure your blanket is serviced regularly
• Never leave cooking unattended

Assistant Commissioner Turek added: “Relatives and neighbours can also do their bit by dropping in and checking on older people they know to make sure they are okay and pass on information that could protect their home and ultimately save their lives. If you are worried about an elderly relative or neighbour and believe they could be vulnerable to fire , check with them first, and call the London Fire Brigade on 08000 28 44 28 to arrange a free home fire safety visit on their behalf.”

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Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:

telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk