You don’t know how to use fire extinguishers, elderly are told

FIRE extinguishers have been removed from care homes after pensioners were told: “You don’t know how to work them.”

The Guinness Trust removed all the extinguishers from rooms at Fairmead Court on Hayling Island, Hampshire, after telling residents they would not be capable of operating them properly.

The trust, which has 3,000 staff, cares for 135,000 people and runs 65,500 homes, said Fairmead Court was “not staffed and the use of an extinguisher needs training”.

Resident Nick Meachin, 69, has accused the trust of “brushing safety under the carpet”. Months ago, Guinness removed all the safety alarm systems that allowed residents to call for help.

Mr Meachin, who worked for BAE Systems and moved to Fairmead Court with his wife in 2015, said “None of us were told the extinguishers would be removed. They were just taken away. I asked our Guinness Partnership representative what we’re supposed to do in the event of a fire – she said residents should go on their balconies.

“I’m former Royal Navy so I know how to use an extinguisher, but for those who don’t, there are instructions.

“We’ve all been left feeling extremely vulnerable, especially after Grenfell Tower. The thought of standing on a balcony watching a fire develop around me fills me with horror. Residents here don’t feel safe. What will be taken away next?”

The Guinness Partnership said it took the extinguishers away to “protect” residents. “In the event of a fire, customers are asked to follow the specific advice given for their building,” it said.

“We would not wish customers to risk their safety trying to use fire extinguishers they are not trained to use. In the event of a fire, the fire brigade should be called immediately.”

John Perry, a councillor in Havant, accused the trust of “talking absolute rubbish” and suggested the move was “more like a cost-saving measure”.