Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is focused on reducing the risk experienced by seniors when it comes to fires in the home. FRNSW research shows that those over 65 account for nearly 50% of house fire fatalities.
To address this trend, FRNSW is promoting its Safety Visit program during Seniors Festival (3-16 March), designed to educate the community about common household fire dangers.
FRNSW’s Safety Visit program
As part of the program, firefighters come to homes and carry out a fire risk inspection
As part of the program, firefighters come to homes and carry out a fire risk inspection, test smoke alarms and if need be, install one for free.
They also offer personalized fire safety advice on devices, such as heaters, power boards and smoke alarms.
Some simple steps to improve fire safety in the home include:
- Check smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in good working order
- If fire occurs, get out, stay out and dial Triple Zero (000) immediately
- Have an escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly
- Keep a key in any deadlock to assist in an urgent exit
- Never ever leave cooking unattended
- Place drying clothing at least 1 meter from heaters or fireplaces and never leave unattended
- If using a clothes dryer, clean the lint filter each and every time
- Don't overload power points and switch off when not in use
- Always handle candles or any other open flame with care
- Only use wheat bags for direct application to body aches and pains. Wheat bags can ignite, and are not designed to replace hot water bottles for warming beds
- When using electric blankets, never leave them switched on when going out or when asleep. Always check them for damage before use and roll them when putting them away, don’t fold them
NSW Seniors Festival
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Community Safety Co-Coordinator, Inspector Andrew Walker: “NSW Seniors Festival is an opportunity to remind the elderly to make sure they have a fire safe environment at home. People cannot smell smoke when they are asleep, so having a working smoke alarm is crucial.”
Andrew Walker adds, “Our Safety Visit program allows us to improve the safety of some of our most vulnerable community members, and make sure they are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency.”
