OAP thanks crew after blaze
PENSIONER WAS ABLE TO CALL FOR HELP DUE TO LINK BETWEEN RESCUE SERVICE AND CARE GROUP
An 86-year-old has thanked the fire crew and carers who came to her rescue when her microwave burst into flames.
Jean Hankinson accidentally left food unattended while it was cooking, causing it to catch fire.
She was helped from her Mill Hill home after her smoke alarm was set off and a warning system designed to protect vulnerable people was activated.
The incident happened on bank holiday Monday, May 2, and Mrs Hankinson activated a pendant which links her to the Telecare system.
This triggered a call to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s control room and crews from Farringdon and from Sunderland Central Community Fire Stations went to the house.
Mrs Hankinson was given oxygen therapy, but did not require hospital treatment, while the fire was put out.
She said: “I’m so grateful to the fire service and the Telecare service for acting so quickly.
“I dread to think what might have happened if the smoke alarm hadn’t gone off and I didn’t have the pendant to raise the alarm.”
District manager for Sunderland Ian Cuskin, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This incident emphasises the importance of everyone having working smoke alarms in the home.”
Philip Foster, chief operating officer of Sunderland Care and Support, said: “By working in partnership with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service we are able to ensure that those most at risk of fire can live safely, and independently, in their own homes.”
To find out more about Telecare call (0191) 561 4435.
More information is available on home fire safety through www.twfire.gov.uk.