Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Camden, in Sydney’s south-west, visited the Camden Downs retirement village to share life-saving fire advice to protect the seniors.
This year to date, 19 people have died in residential fires in NSW. Six of them were aged over 65.
FRNSW to step up efforts
Of the 126 people killed in residential fires across the state since 2020, at least 38 or 30 percent
Of the 126 people killed in residential fires across the state since 2020, at least 38 or 30 percent were aged over 65, prompting FRNSW to step up efforts to protect those among the most vulnerable.
Pro-active visits to retirement villages and other seniors’ communities form part of FRNSW’s 'Senior Fire Ed' program, educating residents about protecting themselves and their families from the dangers of fire.
Fire safety and fire escape plans
Camden Fire Station Captain, Joel Kursawe, said local firefighters discussed potential hazards, emergency responses, fire safety equipment, and personalized fire safety and fire escape plans with village residents and staff during their presentations.
"Advising our seniors about fire safety in their homes is a crucial part of Fire and Rescue NSW’s Community Engagement program," said Captain Kursawe, adding "This is a great way for us to reach and engage with older people and educate them about fire risks around their home."
Fire escape plan and safety tips
Personalized fire safety and fire escape plans with village residents and staff during their presentations
Captain Joel Kursawe stated: "Following the information session, our firefighters visited residents’ homes to identify potential fire hazards and provide them with a fire escape plan and safety tips."
He adds, "We’re here today to try to reach as many older people as possible, however we encourage anyone with older relatives or friends to book a safety visit with their local fire station."
FRNSW home fire safety
When it comes to home fire safety, FRNSW recommends:
- Ensuring the home is fitted with working smoke alarms
- Rolling up electric blankets instead of folding them
- Keeping materials at least a meter from the heater
- Householders keep ‘looking while cooking’ to prevent fires that result from distractions
- Investing in a fire blanket and storing it near the kitchen
- Smothering kitchen flames with a fire blanket, instead of putting water on it
- Keeping a fire extinguisher available nearby
A crew will visit the home with advice and install a smoke alarm, free of charge, if necessary. Specialist smoke alarms to assist the deaf or hard of hearing are also available for installation.
