Fire and Rescue NSW urges the state’s most vulnerable to ‘play it safe’ during Seniors Week - NSW
Published: 02 Feb 2023 10:08am
Senior citizens have been identified as the most vulnerable to fire danger according to the latest statistics released by Fire and Rescue NSW.
FRNSW research shows that those over 65 have accounted for 50% of all fire fatalities in New South Wales over the past five years.
To address the trend, FRNSW is promoting its Safety Visit program, designed to educate the community about common household fire dangers.
The program involves firefighters helping residents to create an escape plan at home, stressing the importance of keeping a key in any deadlock to assist in an urgent exit.
Firefighters insist early warning is crucial to any fire response, so smoke alarms need to be checked regularly to make sure that they are in working order.
Under the program, FRNSW is offering Seniors and the rest of the community the option of booking a free Safety Visit.
Firefighters will come to your home and carry out a fire risk inspection, installing a free smoke alarm where necessary.
The public can book a Safety Visit through the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9316 [external link]
FRNSW Community Safety Co-ordinator, Station Officer Andrew Walker, said it’s important to remind Seniors about these key messages:
“New South Wales Seniors Week is a great time to remind the elderly to make sure they have created a safe environment at home.”
“Our firefighters will use the week to visit homes and have a conversation around safety measures, making sure that smoke alarms are in good working order.”
“Our Safety Visit program is a crucial part of the educational process and making sure that Seniors and other vulnerable members of the community especially are equipped to respond quickly to any emergency.”
Updated: 02 Feb 2023 10:13am
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]