Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews across the state are visiting retirement villages and lifestyle communities to share life-saving advice about winter fire dangers to protect the seniors.
At present, this winter, 11 people have died in residential fires in NSW. Three of them were aged in their seventies.
FRNSW to step up efforts
Fire crews are pro-actively visiting villages and other seniors communities as part of FRNSW
Of the 58 people killed in residential fires across the state over the past five winters, at least 18 or 31 percent were aged over 65, prompting FRNSW to step up efforts to protect those among the most vulnerable. At least 27 or 46 per cent were aged 50 or over.
Fire crews are pro-actively visiting retirement villages and other seniors communities as part of FRNSW’s “Senior Fire Ed” program, educating residents about how to keep warm safely over winter.
Fire and Rescue NSW’s Community Engagement program
“Advising our seniors about fire safety in their homes is a crucial part of Fire and Rescue NSW’s Community Engagement program,” said Acting Metropolitan Operations Commander, Andrew Faunce.
“Operational firefighters across NSW are being tasked with carrying out these visits,” states Acting Assistant Commissioner Faunce, adding “With two weeks of winter remaining, we don’t want anyone else dying or suffering injuries in a residential fire.”
Invest in fire blankets
Residents are encouraged to invest in fire blankets and storing them near the kitchen
Household tips include rolling up electric blankets instead of folding them, keeping materials at least a meter from the heater and ensuring householders are ‘looking while they’re cooking.’ No fewer than 480 or 43 percent of the 1080 residential fires in NSW last winter occurred in the kitchen.
Residents are encouraged to invest in fire blankets and storing them near the kitchen. Throwing water onto a kitchen fire is likely to cause a dangerous flare-up. Smothering the flames with a fire blanket is the advisable course of action.
Fire safety and fire escape plans
Firefighters recommend keeping a fire extinguisher available nearby and, just as crucially, ensuring homes are fitted with ‘working’ smoke alarms.
The crews discuss potential hazards, emergency responses, fire safety equipment, and personalized fire safety and fire escape plans with village residents and staff during their presentations.
