Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Over 60s are more at risk than any other group in fire deaths
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New statistics released by The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) show that over half of accidental house fire fatalities involved people over the age of 60.
A staggering 61 per cent of all the home fire fatalities over the last five years involved people within this age bracket.
And more than a third of accidental dwelling fire casualties (34 per cent) were also people aged 60 and over.
Area Manager Garry Mackay is the SFRS Local Senior Officer for North Lanarkshire and he is stressing the importance of reducing the risk of fire with a free home fire safety visit.
Garry Mackay said: “People aged 60 or over are more likely to die in house fires.
“The latest statistics confirm again that we need to focus our efforts on protecting those at greatest risk from fire. And we also need the community’s help.
“There are lots of reasons why older people could be affected by fire.
“Older people may spend more time at home or live alone, they are more likely to be affected by limited mobility or long term medical conditions.
“Limited sight or hearing can mean an individual is less likely to be aware of fire when it breaks out.
“Some types of medication may have an impact.
“Any of these factors could make someone more likely to experience a fire in the home.
“We need your help to make sure every older person is offered that support.”
Are you aged 60 plus? Have you got a friend, relative or neighbour who could be at risk? If the answer is yes, contact us today.
To request a free home fire safety visit for you, or someone you know, call 0800 0731 999 or text FIRE to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk
Free Home Fire Safety Visits are carried out throughout the year and are designed to help residents recognise risks within their living space.
Firefighters and community safety advocates share advice with occupants on what to do in the event of a fire as well as check or install smoke alarms.
Garry Mackay went on: “Home Fire Safety Visits help reduce casualty numbers through early detection and intervention.
“They play an important role in improving fire safety at home and ultimately help protect our communities from harm.
“We want to reach people before it is too late and we need YOUR help to make sure every older person is offered that support.”
The FREE Home Fire Safety Visit service takes just 20 minutes and helps householders spot fire hazards and make sure their home is safer. Greater prevention focus has seen fires decline by more than 40 per cent over the last decade but over the last five years: 61 per cent of house fire fatalities were aged 60 and over 34 per cent of casualties were over 60 93 people over 60 have died in house fires.