During Age Concern’s national Safer Homes Week (22-26 October), London Fire Brigade is reminding older Londoners to protect their homes from fire as the weather gets colder.
Most fire deaths occur in the home and with people spending more time indoors and making greater use of heaters, candles and cooking appliances this increases the risk of fires starting.
Older people are a particular concern for the Brigade as around 60 per cent of fire deaths involve people over 60 years old. Steve Turek, London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety explains: “Plenty of older Londoners are active and also know how to protect themselves, but this isn’t always the case. Many live alone and have reduced mobility.
“It’s very upsetting to hear about the death of an older person in a fire, particularly when the cause was something that could easily have been avoided, like a unattended candle, faulty electric heater or carelessly discarded cigarette.”
London Fire Brigade is urging Londoners to follow some simple advice this winter:
- Arrange a 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
- Make sure all objects are kept clear of heaters or fires
- 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)
- Don’t overload plugs – use multi boxes with circuit breakers where possible
- Always turn off electric blankets before getting into bed, and make sure your blanket is serviced regularly
- Never leave cooking unattended
Steve Turek said: “Simple common sense advice can make all the difference when it comes to fire safety and we can all help. It takes ten minutes to call or visit an older relative or neighbour and pass on information that could save a life, so make the call today. Anyone worried about fire safety at home should call London Fire Brigade on 08000 28 44 28 and arrange a free home fire safety visit.”
Note to editors:
- Safer Homes Week is a new initiative being held by Age Concern in association with National Grid. The aim of the week is to raise awareness about home safety issues through education and to offer practical assistance to older people to reduce unsafe practices in the home. The main areas of home safety covered are gas safety, home security, energy efficiency and accidents and hazards. For more information see http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/saferhomes
- London Fire Brigade is offering all Londoners a free home fire safety visit. The Brigade visit homes, chat about fire risks and fit free smoke alarms if they are needed. Call 08000 28 44 28.
Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:
telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk
