Firefighters want to keep you safe and warm this winter

The start of the new decade has brought with it some of the coldest and most challenging weather conditions experienced in years, and as the long dark evenings continue it is all too easy to forget about fire safety when trying to stay warm in your home.

Statistics show that during the winter the elderly in particular are far more likely to have an accidental fire than at any other time of the year, sometimes with tragic consequences. People over 60 make up over 40% of all fire deaths and injuries.
Many older residents take care of their health and stay active for many years after retirement, but there are those who become frail, suffer from health or mobility problems and need that little bit of extra care. 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 – firefighters plea is not to leave it to someone else to check.

Community Fire Safety Officer Jackie Boyle urges extra vigilance: “During the cold weather especially we would ask that friends and neighbours check on the elderly whenever possible. This is the time when they are most vulnerable. This is a period when more heating, including portable heaters and electric blankets are used, which increases the risk of fire. It is also absolutely vital that people have a working smoke alarm”.

West Sussex Fire Service has this general winter safety advice for residents:
• Never smoke in bed or when you’re feeling drowsy
• Don’t leave cooking unattended particularly when cooking with hot oil
• Never leave lit candles unattended and have a torch handy in case of a power cut.
• Always use a fireguard around an open fire and make sure the chimney is swept regularly.
• Have electric blankets checked regularly by a qualified electrician – switch them off before you get into bed and never use them at the same time as a hot water bottle.
• Most importantly make sure you have smoke alarm and check it regularly to make sure it’s working.

Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service for advice or information, please contact the community safety team on 01243 642878 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

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