Keep an eye on the elderly this winter

Date published: 03/01/2008

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is urging relatives, friends and neighbours to keep an eye on the elderly as  the winter weather starts to take hold. 

People over 60 make up 40% of all fire related deaths, 20% of all fire casualties and are twice as likely to die in a fire as the average.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: "During this period we would ask that friends and neighbours check on the elderly whenever possible. It may be that they do not have a smoke alarm or that you are concerned for their well being with regard to Fire Safety in the home. This is a period when more heating, including portable heaters and electric blankets are used, which increases the risk of fire."

During the winter months the elderly are far more likely to become an unfortunate fire statistic than at any other time of the year. The most common causes of these fires are:

• Smoking materials- carelessly discarded cigarettes
• Cooking appliances/chip pans- left on when people become distracted
• Open fires and heating appliances- too close to something which can catch fire

For this reason Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue are urging people to remember the following safety points:

• Never smoke in bed or when you feel sleepy or drowsy, particularly if you have had a drink
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Never leave lit candles unattended
• Always use a fireguard around an open fire
• Have electric blankets checked regularly by a qualified electrician
• Fit a smoke alarm and check it regularly

In the event of a fire Get Out, Call 999 and Stay Out.