Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people in Stone to help their elderly friends and family members to stay safe from fire in their homes this winter.
Statistics reveal more accidental house fires take place during winter than at any other time and last winter four elderly people died following fires in their homes, two of which involved portable heaters.
Ian Sloss, head of risk reduction for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “More accidental fires happen in winter than at any other time of the year. Elderly people can be particularly vulnerable at this time of year due to the increase in use of portable electric heaters and open fires. Portable heaters should never be left on unattended overnight while fireguards should cover an open fire at all times and people must always remember to keep their candles away from curtains, material and furniture.”
The service has produced a number of posters and leaflets, targeted at both the elderly and those who care for them, to raise awareness of the importance of fire safety and booking a Home Fire Risk Check.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people – particularly the friends, family and neighbours of elderly people – to encourage them to book a free home fire risk check. A home fire risk check involves firefighters or a service technician visiting people in their home to give them fire safety advice, discuss escape routes and fit equipment such as smoke alarms and fire guards.
Call 0800 0241 999 to book a convenient time for the visit to take place.
Tips on staying safe this winter:
- Unplug your electric blanket before you get into bed – unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use
- Always position heaters so their back is against the wall and they’re facing the room
- Keep portable heaters clear from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes
- Make sure candles are in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire such as curtains
- Put candles out when you leave the room and ensure they are completely out when going to bed
- Sweep the chimney before use if you haven’t used it for sometime
- Always keep a fire guard in front of an open fire.
