Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is supporting UK Older Peoples Day 2015, which takes place today (October 1st.)

Statistics show that 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. With an ever-increasing older population – 23% of the UK will be aged 65 and over by 2035 – activities to help older people prevent fires and keep themselves safe are likely to form a growing part of the fire service’s work over the coming years.

UK Older Peoples Day will see members of the Community Risk department delivering messages to help keep older people safe.

Station Commander Alan Haley, Community Risk said: “HWFRS identify those who are most at risk in their community. Many people who are over the age of 70 do not have smoke alarms fitted in their homes and even where there are alarms, a high proportion do not work properly. That’s perhaps not surprising when you consider the challenge of reaching up to the ceiling to push the button to test the alarm or to change its battery.”

He concluded: “Anyone who would like fire safety advice or would like to enquire as to whether they would qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Check can contact the Community Risk department on 0800 032 1155 quoting reference ’news’. We are here to help make sure your home is as fire safe as possible.”