Cheshire fire – Ageing safely

Ageing Safely in Cheshire East

The risk of dying in a fire for those aged 65 and over is more than twice as high as the average risk for all ages.

That is why Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Ageing Safely Week 2014 (29 September to 5 October), and firefighters across the county will be meeting the older people of out communities to talk to them about how they can keep themselves safe.
This national campaign is led by the Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA), with the week of activities encompassing UK Older People's Day on October 1st.

Firefighters in Cheshire East will be:
Monday 29th September- Wilmslow firefighters will be meeting older people across Alderley Edge, giving home fire safety advice, health and fitness awareness and giving details of other agencies that can be helpful later in life

Tuesday 30th September- Crewe firefighters will be at the Annual Health and Wellbeing Fair in Crewe giving fire safety advice and inviting the public to have a go in the smoke tent, enabling them to feel what it is like in a fire

Tuesday 30th September- Congleton firefighters are going to Congleton Cricket, Hockey and Bowling club to give key safety messages to members
Tuesday 30th September- Macclesfield firefighters are going to Millers Court for a communal fire safety talk and then visiting individual flats to give advice

Thursday 2nd October- Knutsford firefighters will be at Booths supermarket during the afternoon, talking to people about safe driving and offering free checks for tyres, lights etc.

Research shows that older people are at highest risk of fire in the home – those over the age of 80 are 10 times more likely to die in a fire than those aged 30 or under. Even a small fire can impact on an older person's quality of life, resulting in an individual losing confidence in his or her ability to remain safe whilst living independently.

Almost a quarter of the UK's population will be aged 65 and over by 2035. Older People's Day 2014, which ties in with the United Nation's International Day of Older Persons on 1st October, challenges the stereotype of older people as frail, vulnerable and a burden on the rest of the population. Instead, it recognised the experience, knowledge and contribution that older people make to society and the economy.
On that day the Service is looking forward to welcoming 100 older people to their Headquarters in Winsford, where they will be able to see and learn what makes a modern fire and rescue service work, whilst gaining vital safety information.

Head of Prevention and Protection Keith Brooks said: "This campaign week is a great opportunity for us to engage with older people and make sure they take away some important fire safety advice and information. On Older Persons' Day we have a special event at our headquarters where local people will have a great day finding out about what we do, having a tour of the building, and watching some dramatic live rescue demonstrations to name but a few things.

"People aged 60 and over are often still very active and live in their own homes. We offer a lot of help and support through our Home Safety Assessments to make sure they can continue doing this safely and this event is another way of us communicating that valuable information, and is an interesting and exciting opportunity for people to get an up close look at what we do."
For information about Older Persons' Day at Service Headquarters please call Jennifer Hall on 01606 868290

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